The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn

Summary:

Myles Parsons is just another inmate in Kenzie Thorn’s GED course until he kidnaps her, offering only feeble explanation- that he’s actually FBI Special Agent Myles Borden.  Terrified, Kenzie doesn’t want to believe his story of being undercover to protect her.  Moreover, she can’t believe that someone might really want her dead.

But just when Myles thinks he has her out of harm’s way, his plans start to fall apart.  He attempts to take Kenzie to a safe house- but the stubborn woman won’t go!  So together they must uncover the clues that will reveal a most shocking perpetrator.  All the while Myles tries to keep his distance from Kenzie . . .but finds himself falling in love.

My thoughts:

It was an honor to read Liz Johnson’s first novel.  The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is full of mystery and romance.  I loved the spunk of Kenzie as she boldly refused to be protected in the safe house.  Only a woman as stubborn and courageous as Kenzie would refuse to obey an FBI agent!  Kenzie’s spunk coupled with Myles’ instigating sass make this a sparking romance that is a pleasure to read. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is a great read! 

I had the opportunity to interview the author, Liz Johnson.  First let me tell you a bit about her:

Liz Johnson grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being a part of the publishing industry.  After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream.  In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher.  While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream- becoming an author.  Along the way to having her novel published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines.

Liz lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she enjoys theater, ice skating, volunteering in her church’s bookstore and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nephew and three nieces.  She loves stories of true love with happy endings.  The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is her first novel. 

 Thanks Liz for stopping by and answering some questions for my readers.  (My questions are in bold print and Liz’s responses are in italics).

Having a background in publishing, was it challenging to be on the other side of creating a novel?

I’m not sure it was challenging so much as bizarre.  I’m so used to the publishing process from inside the publisher, and it was quite strange watching the publishing process of my book from a relatively external position.  But I really enjoyed it.  It was fun to see how a different house produces a book.

The character, Myles, gets injured during the story but you’ve written it in a way that keeps him from seeming wimpy even when he’s vulnerable.  Where you concerned that his vulnerability would undermine his FBI tough-guy feel to the reader?

Oh, gosh.  I never thought about the idea that I could undermine his tough-guy feel.  Don’t know what that says about me as an author.  I suppose that I’ve always enjoyed books where tough guys get injured and have to deal with it.  I think they deal with injury so differently than other character types, and I love how Myles puts the pain aside for the good of his assignment and the woman he cares for.  Plus, it adds drama and gives Kenzie a chance to shine in her concern and care for him.

I agree.  I loved Myles even more because he let Kenzie help him.  It takes a big man to see he’s vulnerable and accept help.  I think it made him stronger in my mind.

Your characters are often saying prayers in the midst of tough situations.  Do you find that you pray in your mind often when things aren’t going according to plan?

I definately try to.  I find especially when I’m at work or writing that if a pitch letter, press release, or scene just won’t come together, I definately sit down and pray.  It helps m clear my mind of all other distractions and focus on why I’m doing what I’m doing- the goal is always to glorify God.  It’s become a habit as well, as I’ve definately learned some of the lessons about relying on God that Kenzie and Myles learn in the book.

What message do you hope readers will take away from The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn?

I hope readers are encouraged to rely on God even when friends and family let them down.  I hope that like Kenzie and Myles do in the book, readers will find hope in knowing that God is walking with them in hard times and that His eyes are on those that fear Him.

Do you have any plans for future books?

I recently finished my second romantic suspence novel, which isn’t under contract yet, but is currently in consideration with my editor.  It’s not a follow up to The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, but it has some overlapping characters and is a rousing romp into the fictional Crescent City, Colorado.  Since finising that manuscript, I’ve been working on a proposal for a contemporary romance set in my hoe state of Arizona.  I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens with both of these stories.

Thanks again Liz for stopping by and including me in this great blog tour!

Be sure to look for The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn on your next visit to the book store. 

You can keep up with Liz’s adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com

* I was given this product free to review on behalf of the author, July 2009