Today for Fiction Friday I am interviewing Dawn Klinge who has a new book out. Kristen is the ninth book in the Apron Strings Book Series, a multi-author series I am also a part of.

Each book can be read as a standalone with the only connecting factor being an old-fashioned cookery (recipe) book called Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book. Each book takes place in a decade from 1920 to 2020.

Dawn’s book takes place in 2002.

First, a little about the book:

Kristen Borstad has always taken the scenic route through life. It’s 2002; fresh out of university with a master’s degree in English literature, she returns to the cozy ambiance of the local bookshop she’s worked at throughout college.

When the bookshop’s owner presents Kristen with an opportunity to take charge for a few months, she accepts. As she delves into the daily responsibilities, Kristen begins to discover her passion for the job.

Amidst the book-lined shelves, Kristen hires an employee who ignites a flame within her heart. As their friendship blossoms, Kristen grapples with conflicting emotions, unsure if the love she’s found is just a delightful distraction or a signpost pointing her toward the future she truly desires.

Will Kristen realize that her dreams have been waiting for her right in front of her eyes? Or will she continue her quest for fulfillment, forever searching for what might already be within her grasp?

Join Kristen on a tender and uplifting journey as she navigates the crossroads of life, faith, and love. In this heartwarming tale, discover the extraordinary potential that lies within embracing the present and opening one’s heart to the unanticipated blessings of life’s sweetest surprises.

Now a little interview with Dawn:

1.       Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Writing has been a source of joy since childhood, but for years, I hesitated to call myself a writer. It wasn’t until fifteen years ago that I finally mustered the courage to claim that title, though in truth, my path had always been quietly preparing me for a life dedicated to storytelling.

I experienced the thrill of seeing my words in print at the age of eight when I entered a children’s magazine contest and was delighted to see my story about a teddy bear named Growly published. At the time, I began telling others I wanted to be an author—until the practical voices of adults warned me about the difficulties of making a living from writing.

Though I considered studying history after high school, I followed a more practical path and earned a degree in special education, teaching at the elementary level for several years. Yet writing remained a quiet but persistent calling. About eighteen years ago, I started a blog that reignited my desire to write for an audience. It became a creative outlet where I experimented with voice and tone, receiving feedback from readers and honing my skills. These years spent writing nonfiction for platforms like Grown and Flown and Crosswalk gave me my first taste of working with editors, an experience that built my confidence and prepared me to pursue my true passion: writing fiction.

Despite knowing the challenges of fiction writing, I understood that I had to write. It’s an integral part of who I am. As an avid reader, I’ve always recognized the power of stories to inspire and positively influence others. With my deep love for history and research, I naturally gravitated toward historical fiction, where I could blend rich historical settings with compelling characters. This passion led me to self-publish several historical romance novels: Sorrento Girl, Biltmore Girl, and Palmer Girl. I have also experimented with writing contemporary romantic fiction with my books America’s Favorite Christmastown and Kristen.

Currently, I am enrolled in Oxford University’s Undergraduate Diploma in Creative Writing program, where I’ve had the opportunity to explore various forms of writing, including short fiction, life writing, screenplays, and stage plays.

2.       What is your latest book about? Who are the main characters and when and where does it take place?

My latest book, Kristen, is about a young woman learning what it means to rest as a beloved child of God. She’s an achiever who has been looking in the wrong places for approval, and now, right out of college, she’s at a crossroads, trying to decide what’s next. The story takes place in 2002 in the small town of Moscow, Idaho.

3.       Did you learn anything about writing or yourself as you were writing the book?

I’m still undergoing the same journey I put in front of Kristen. I saw a lot of myself in this character. Learning to balance being and doing in my spiritual life is a lifelong pursuit. 

5.       Where can readers find out more about you and your projects?

Website: www.dawnklinge.com

Substack: https://dawnklinge.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnklinge/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=693168274

Thank you to Dawn for taking the time to answer these questions.

You can find Kristen here: https://www.amazon.com/Kristen-Apron-Strings-Book-Nine-ebook/dp/B0D2JNGKYT/