About the Book

Book: Ransomed Peace

Author: Kathleen J. Robison

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 11, 2024

When romance fails the romance writer…

After being terrorized in an abusive relationship, Roxanne Cook finally feels like she’s starting to heal. Even though her mother is ill, her return to Bay Town and the arrest of her ex-boyfriend has allowed anxieties to slip away and has renewed her faith in God. Even her faith in romance seems to be restored as she develops a school-girl crush on a certain Max Tippet.

Everything comes crashing down, however, when Roxanne finds out her ex-boyfriend is released from jail. As her new-found peace unravels, Roxanne realizes that shedding her fears isn’t the same as facing them.

How will she trust in God to provide her the courage to escape the cycle that almost killed her?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kathleen is an Okinawan-American. Born in Okinawa, raised in California, Florida, Mississippi, and Singapore. Her travels lend themselves to the settings in her books, and her large family provides fun fodder for her characters. She and her Pastor husband have eight adult children. Seven are married, blessing them with sixteen grandchildren, and more on the way! Her ethnically diverse family of 33 plus personalities presents many opportunities to write about God’s amazing love amid trials, tragedies, and blessings. He is the one true inspiration and hope for us all.

More from Kathleen

For some, Ransomed Peace may be a hard story to read. It was a hard story to write. But rest assured, it’s a romance, and I guarantee a happily ever after! One of my favorite passages in the bible teaches that beauty from ashes lends hope that rises from hardships. Ransomed Peace begins with domestic violence. By God’s grace, I’ve never been a victim of it, but someone very close to me was. It was long ago, and unfortunately, at the time, I had no idea how to help her other than to aid in her rescue and give her refuge from the situation. But even then, that wasn’t the solution. Fortunately, today, many programs, housing, and counseling are available for those who suffer this horrible crime, but it continues and can happen to anyone. I encourage victims to seek professional help. It is as close as the internet or your local church body. Here’s the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233.

In Ransomed Peace, the main character, Roxanne, is a victim. As in all my books, God is the ultimate answer to any problem. But just as Roxanne was urged to seek help, I urge all victims to take action. Especially preventative action. Drawing and staying close to the Lord through His Word, prayer, and relationship with other God-fearing believers will aid in avoiding toxic people. Together, we can learn to follow and obey God’s guidance, allowing us to make the right choices in relationships. Sometimes, such as in the case of children, a choice is not possible, but God’s help always is. As we step in and walk alongside victims, we have the opportunity to help them to seek Jesus. His solution is eternal.

In my Romantic Suspense books, I choose to write about difficult real-life situations because, as a Pastor’s wife, I’ve prayed and walked with many women. Nobody’s life is perfect or ideal, and everyone suffers something. A reader wrote to me once, sharing how my book had encouraged her to walk with the Lord in areas of her life she hadn’t thought about before. She was secure in her salvation, yet she said it wasn’t until she read one of my books that she realized that living a life of purpose in all areas was possible. And it is! That’s the non-fiction part of my books. Whether our difficulties are past or present, we always need to be pointed to God’s Word in everything, not just for bliss on earth, which is never going to happen, but for the hope of our future with Him in heaven one day.

Sometimes, we are victims of circumstance and are blindsided by a force we can’t seem to contend with. Sometimes, we suffer the consequences of violence because of a bad decision we’ve made, yet it is still unjustly deserved. Whatever the cause, God loves us, and Jesus knows and feels our plight. He lived it, and there is a way out. God’s plan is for us to live for His glory.

I pray my books will inspire all to seek Him and follow Him in every phase of life. “To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;” Isaiah 61:3. Giving Him the ashes from our tragedies so He can restore joy for His praise is to live with joy over the blessings, and to find joy in Him through our sufferings.

The Lord uses people to help us live a life worthy of Him, in good times and bad. But we can’t do it alone. That’s why I created Bay Town. A community that represents real life in some way. As you read the Bay Town Series, I hope you’ll be inspired and encouraged by the characters that help one another. Trustworthy authority figures like Chief Bert and Pastor Desmond and good role models like Melanie Thompson Brooks and Max Tippet. And you’ll love the little comic relief provided through Tina, Lyla, and Bethie Cook. At some point, you’ll meet the same people in each book and hopefully come to love them as I have. Each story is unique, and each stands alone, championing themes of hope! As you read the series, you’ll become a part of Bay Town. A community that lives to watch out for one another and purposes to love and serve God.

Author Interview

Can you tell us a little bit about what readers can expect from your books?

My books are a blend of thrilling, page-turning narratives and deeply engaging character-driven stories. I strive to create a world in which readers can immerse themselves, and I hope they'll enjoy revisiting Bay Town and reconnecting with the characters they’ve grown to love. Above all, my stories are infused with faith, hope, and redemption, offering a unique reading experience.

What is the greatest advice you have ever been given about writing?

Find a community of writers. My sister, a writer, encouraged me to find a critique group, and I was fortunate to find three! The very first group I joined was through the local library, and we’re still meeting on Zoom to this day. The help and support of other writers is invaluable, and it’s a two-way street. It’s so rewarding to help and encourage fellow creatives, who, in turn, cheer me on. Writing is a team sport!

Can you share 5 random facts about this book?

Ransomed Peace is the fourth book in a five-book Bay Town Series.
The setting of Ransomed Peace is a small coastal town in Mississippi, a place that holds a special place in my heart. It's inspired by Bay St. Louis, where I spent my childhood, and I've tried to capture its essence in the book.
Although it’s a stand-alone book, delightful returning characters round out the story without confusing the reader.
This was the most challenging book to write in the Bay Town Series!
The first draft of this book was a real struggle, and I almost gave up on it. But with the support and encouragement of my critique groups, I found the strength to persevere. It's a testament to the power of faith and community, and how they can transform a challenging journey into a powerful story.

Can you share something interesting or surprising you learned while researching for the book?
Alligators and crocodiles can climb trees! I actually have two scenes involving the menacing creatures, and I needed them to perform unlikely feats. When I saw photographs of them in trees, what I needed them to do was a piece of cake! Did you know they’ve been found as high as thirty feet in trees?

What do you hope readers will take away from the book?
My ultimate hope is that readers will not only be entertained by my books, but also find inspiration in the faith-filled narratives. I want them to see that a life devoted to God is a life of purpose and peace, even in the midst of imperfections and challenges. I hope my stories will encourage readers to trust in God’s plans, knowing that surrendering to Him can make all the difference in the world.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. Before you go, where can readers keep up with what’s next?
Just Google Kathleen J. Robison and you’ll find me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and BookBub. But if you subscribe to my newsletter by going to my website at https://www.kathleejrobison.com, you’ll get all the latest news, giveaway opportunities, and inspirational encouragement.

It’s been fun, Randi. I sure appreciate your sharing my life with your readers. Thank you for taking an interest in my writing journey and my books. God Bless you and your readers.