About the Book
Book: Relinquished
Author: Susan K. Beatty
Genre: Christian Woman’s Fiction
Release date: May 16, 2023
No one takes her kid and gets away with it.
When Teagan Parsons discovers that the Amber Alert on a celebrity couple’s child is actually her daughter, she’s determined to rescue the daughter she relinquished years ago. If she’d only realized the emotions her mission would rekindle…
Having a cousin in the FBI gets her closer to the case than she could have dreamed, but instead of listening to the lead FBI agent’s warnings to “leave the job to the professionals,” Teagan begins following everyone she suspects. That old saying, “Don’t quit your day job,” has never been truer, but she’ll do whatever it takes to bring her daughter home safe.
Mitch McCartney has enough trouble on his hands without dealing with a guilt-ridden, biological mother bent on making up for past sins. Teagan seems to have developed a talent for getting things wrong and putting herself in danger. Oh… and she’s adding theft to her rap sheet—theft of his heart, anyway.
Then Teagan goes missing.
Learning you can’t undo the past is a tough enough lesson without adding on more mistakes, but with Mitch’s help, Teagan may, with the Lord’s Guidance, forge a brighter future this time.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Susan K. Beatty is in her third career—from journalist to homeschool tech writer to her life-long dream of becoming a novelist. She is proof you can start a new writing career late in life. Susan released her first published fiction in September 2019, and now an awarding winner author, this is her third novel, with several novelettes and short stories to her credit. She is passionate about finding courage through faith and grit. Susan lives with her husband of forty-nine years in Southern California. Add children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to the mix and she has little time for her favorite hobbies of reading, watching classic movies, British crime dramas, and traveling.
More from Susan
The seeds of a story sometimes lay dormant in an author for years. Then they grow and grab the author, demanding to be told. Until eventually the author gives in.
In my case, I didn’t have to give in. I knew I would write some version of the story eventually.
It began in 1968, when I was young, unmarried, and pregnant. It continued through 1969 when I gave my child up for adoption. Of course, any birth mother will tell you the actual story doesn’t end there.
After I became a Christian in 1973, I grew into a better understanding of my journey. New emotions had to be dealt with when my daughter and I were reunited in 1988 when she was nineteen. We enjoyed getting to know each other despite our differences in faith, but those lost years could not be regained—another set of emotions to come to terms with.
I couldn’t write our story, but I wanted to write something that revealed the emotional dilemma birth mothers wrestle with: forgiveness, regret, accepting that one won’t take part in the baby’s childhood, and, if there is a reunion, accepting a new reality. This usually means discovering, despite a newfound relationship, the birth mother will never be that child’s mom.
But I also wanted to show God’s grace, healing, and a hope for a future (including the addition of light romance).
Not wanting the book to get weighed down in maudlin narrative, I tried to lift it above the muck and show the birth mother’s strength and courage. What better way to do that than throw her in the middle of a dangerous, life-threatening situation?
Note to birth mothers: If you have unresolved issues, there may be triggers in Relinquished. I urge you to spend time in prayer and allow the Lord to heal you regardless of whether you read the book. And, if you need it, there is no shame in getting counseling.
Note to adoptive mothers: I hope you get a glimpse into the other side of the story.
Note to all readers: Praying the Lord shines through Teagan’s story to illuminate your heart.
Interview with Susan
How do you select the names of your characters?
Naming characters is one of the really fun aspects of writing. When I was a kid, I wanted to be the person to assign street names. Not receiving that opportunity, now, I love to come up with character names that I like the sound of, or maybe they look good in print. Bonus if they are a little unusual (because “every Tom, Dick, and Harry’s named John.” ~ I Love Lucy). The trick is not clashing with other character names in the same book.
What was your hardest scene to write?
I found writing scenes in which Teagan dealt with her birth mother angst hard, probably because I was digging deep into my own birth mother experience. But frankly, the hardest scene was the one in which Teagan fights off the bad guys. I hadn’t had a lot of experience writing suspense and fight scenes. Thankfully, my critique group and editors helped me work through the scene to make it so much better.
What is your favorite childhood book?
My favorite childhood book is Black Beauty. I’m not sure if it was because of how much I loved the book itself or because I have such very fond memories of my mother reading it to me when I was four. When I was about ten, The Nancy Drew books became an obsession. My parents were both avid readers, so it’s no wonder I am, too. (Although I can’t understand how my brothers didn’t catch that trait.)
What comes first, the plot or characters?
Whether the plot or characters come first is a toss-up. It depends on the book, but generally the main character(s) are so intrinsic to the plot or story, I can’t really separate them. I’m a pantser (write by the seat-of-pants) more than a plotter, so my characters often figure out the twists and turns for me. Sometimes I think I’m going in one direction, and suddenly one of my characters takes a ninety-degree (even 180) turn. This is another aspect that makes writing so exciting.
Who is the author you most admire in your genre?
In Women’s Fiction, which is the genre I started out writing, it is Cynthia Ruchti and Ginny Ytrrup. But in recent books, I’ve moved a little more toward romantic suspense. In this genre, I love Lynette Eason, JL Crosswhite, Robin Patchen, and Anne Perrault’s romantic suspense. Each of these authors draws the reader into the characters and their stories as if the reader is part of the story. (Sorry, I couldn’t just pick one.)
Thank you Susy for letting us get to know you better!
Blog Stops
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 13
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 14
Texas Book-aholic, June 15
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 16 (Author Interview)
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 17
An Author’s Take, June 18
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 19
Artistic Nobody, June 20 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 21
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 22
Guild Master, June 23 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, June 23
Blogging With Carol, June 24
For Him and My Family, June 25
Where Crisis & Christ Collide, June 26 (Author Interview)
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!!
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/2658a/relinquished-celebration-tour-giveaway