Renee Kinlaw Interview

Today, I am pleased to welcome author Renee Kinlaw to Interviews & Reviews. Renee is a Pastor's wife, a Home Schooling Mom and the Ministry Assistant of Carolina Baptist Association. In between all of her normal duties she fulfills her ministry to women through her writing and speaking. She is an Indie-Author of both Christian Fiction and Non-Fiction. Today, she is going to talk with us about her latest book and she is going to give a copy to one lucky reader!

Renee, welcome to Interviews & Reviews!

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Renee, you are a homeschooling mom. How many kids do you have at home and how do you find the time to write?

I am a homeschooling mom to our only daughter, Jayden Noelle. (I must admit, my husband is a tremendous help with the homeschooling. He does all the math and helps with the other subjects as well.) With that, I am also a Pastor's wife and part-time Ministry Assistant of Carolina Baptist Association, so I have learned to manage my time well. I try to make sure I write at least 2 hours a day if not more. Sometimes I take notes or do research. For each book I write, I have a notebook or journal. I also keep records on my phone and have a separate file for each book on my computer. This helps me keep my thoughts and ideas until I can have time to pen them in a book format. I also keep a planner which I pencil in writing days. I may write a whole chapter or two, edit what I have already finished, or I may organize my notes. Either way, I am sharpening my skills and using my talent.

How many books have you written?

I have written 5 books since 2015. The first three were Christian Non-Fiction and the last two where Christian Fiction/Romance. With the release of Leann’s Victory, I launched the first of four books in The Restoration Series. The second book in the series, Chasing Abigail was released on December 31.

What inspired you to write Leann's Victory?

Being involved with Women’s Ministry, I have often get asked the familiar question “If God loves me then why?” I have no real answers for those why’s other than this simple truth, God’s love, mercy, and grace is far beyond my realm. I only know that somehow, someway, God is going to work all your hurt for your good. Leann’s life was far from what she wanted it to be. It is full of pain, separation, and tragedy, but in the end, God brought good from what appears to be ruined. The same is true for our lives. If we look hard enough, truly wanted to see it, we will see God’s hand in the middle of all our chaos, busily putting all the broken pieces back together again. That’s what I want for my readers; I want them to know that even though they might not see it now, God is very present in their lives.
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Which character in Leann’s Victory do you like the most?

Wow. I have the most women in love with Graham Daniels. But I think I am going with Cade Andrews. There was a love/hate relationship between us at the beginning. While I do understand him and appreciate his accomplishments; he can be a little on the “poor pitiful me” side a tad too much. Watching him grow and mature in his search for the truth and his ability to adjust to the many changes that come his way, brings me to love him.

Do you talk to your characters?

Who doesn’t? I mean, they are real people, right? (Laughing.) Since they are all part of an ongoing series, they have become a constant fixation in my mind, and I do consider them family. Each character has their strengths and shortcomings. There are days I want to scold them, and then there are days I want to cheer them on. They tend to get a little bossy about the way I tell their stories and even change my storyline sometimes. Some of them get rather pushy while they wait for their introduction to our audience.

Is there a message in your book that you want your readers to grasp?

Always. There is an overall theme for each book I write. In Leann’s Victory, I pray my reader hears the truth about the Father that is always present. One that is always protecting, providing and sheltering. In Chasing Abigail, the message is about the Love that Pursues us, the love that is willing to go the distance to reach us.

And on that note, could you share with us how you came to know the Lord?

Cade and I, kind of have that in common. A godly mother raised him, while I was raised by godly parents. Both of us strayed and walked away from the truths we learned as children. Thankfully, just like Cade, the heavenly Father never let me get too far. His presence was still evident in my life, calling me back to restoration. I cannot recall the exact date, but I can remember where I was and what took place. During an old fashion singing in a little church back in the woods, I made my way to the altar. I remember kneeling there, telling Jesus, that I was wrong, I did need Him in my life. I did not want to live another day without Him. From that moment on, He has forever changed my life, and He has been my constant companion, friend and most importantly, Savior and Lord. I am nowhere near perfect, I stumble and bumble through this thing we call life, just hoping and praying that somehow others see Jesus in me.

I think many Christians feel the same way. Do you have any other books in the works?

I am currently working on the third book of The Restoration Series, Loving Ms. Sheri, that I plan to release late spring, early summer. I am also working on a short Easter Devotional, Redeeming Easter.

May the Lord bless your endeavours. Thank you for sharing with us today. And now, dear readers, if you would like to win a copy of Leann's Victory, just fill out the form below. The winners of this giveaway will be announced January 21. 

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Congratulations to our two lucky winners Natalya L. and Cheryn C. Watch for an email from Interviews & Reviews soon!

Cade had learned as a young boy not to trust anyone. Anyone, that was except Leann. She was the one person he could count on. He never doubted for a moment her love and loyalty. Everything he has done for the past three years has been to repay her for all she has given him. Leann's illness, however, sends him into a tailspin, twirling everything he thought he knew into chaos. Her past overwhelms him and sends him searching for the truth. 

Graham had loved Leann first. She had been his world, long before Cade came into the picture. He had vowed to love her forever. Would he tell Cade the truth or would he keep Leann's secret? Would sharing what he knew set Leann free to finally gain the victory over her past? 

Cade's search for the truth carries him from the small resort community of Crystal Lake, North Carolina, to the sunny shores of Palm Island, South Carolina. Unaware of the God who is leading him in his journey, Cade discovers the incredible price of Leann's Victory.

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