Interview with the Author
Dawn Kinzer
The Apron Strings Book series has its final new release: book number eleven. We’re moving to the 2020s with Maddie by Dawn Kinzer!
You can purchase Maddie now on digital or paperback. The Apron Strings Series is a collection of heartfelt inspirational stories featuring a single cookbook that changes hands to different women from decade to decade, from 1920 to 2020. A new title has been released by a different author each month this year. Being a part of this project has been a wonderful experience, and I’m thankful to Jennifer Knipfer for spearheading it all.
My book, Kristen, is Book Nine (2000) and was released in September ‘24, but now is the time to introduce you to Maddie and author Dawn Kinzer.
First, here’s the back cover copy to tell you what Cassie is all about:
Madison Sinclaire’s life as an ER travel nurse, moving from one large city hospital to another every two to three months suits her. There’s no worry about getting too attached to anyone and risking more painful loss. But she can still pursue her passion—caring for the sick and injured—and follow in the footsteps of the beloved grandmother who raised her.
Now in 2024, Maddie agrees to take a temporary job in Serenity, Washington, while her nursing school roommate is on maternity leave. Most in the close-knit tourist community, including an attractive park ranger, are welcoming. But one resentful coworker attempts to undermine her. While Maddie tries to protect her professional reputation and career, she’s also determined to keep her integrity and not disappoint the loyal friend who invited her to the foothills of the stunning Olympic Mountains.
As she takes encouragement and inspiration from notes scrawled in a century-old cookbook, new relationships and experiences force Maddie to reexamine the meaning of family. Is it God’s plan for her to remain serving across the country? Or is it time to plant roots and call one place home?
Get to know the author, Dawn Kinzer:
Tell us what you enjoy most about writing historical romantic fiction.
Whether I’m writing historical or contemporary fiction, I enjoy creating flawed, relatable characters. The settings, time period, and plots may change which each new story, but from the beginning of time, people have always shared similar struggles, dreams, joys, and hopes. Everyone desires to be seen and loved. And if I can challenge and inspire readers in their spiritual journeys while being entertained, I’ve fulfilled my purpose in writing that romance.
What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
It’s difficult to choose only a few! It also depends on the genre readers might be
interested in reading. I’ll try to hold myself back, but I’ll share some of my favorite
authors.
Historical romance: Lynnette Bonner, Karen Witemeyer, Sandra Ardoin
Historical: Laura Frantz, Michelle Shocklee
Regency/Gothic Romance: Julie Klassen
Contemporary Women’s Fiction: Cynthia Ruchti, Debra Raney
Historical Women’s Fiction: Jenny Knipfer
Contemporary Romance: JoAnn Durgin, Annette Irby, Mary Felkins
Biblical Fiction: Mesu Andrews, Francine Rivers
Gothic Romance/Historical/Contemporary Romance: Sandra Byrd
Is there anything you would like people to take away from your book?
We may live thousands of miles from our biological family. We may be emotionally distanced from our relatives by neglect or by choice. We may even feel like an adult orphan because we’ve lost all family members due to circumstances beyond our control. But as a believer and a child of God, we never have to feel alone or on our own because we’re part of our heavenly Father’s family. He never abandons us, he has a plan for our lives that includes purpose, and he’ll provide what we need—including people who will surround us with love and support.
Do you have any odd (writing) habits?
I love those ah-ha moments pertaining to my characters or plots! But I often get my best ideas while riding in a car, walking, taking a shower, working around the house, before climbing into bed at night, or after waking up in the morning. Because I don’t want to forget those new ideas, I email myself notes via my phone throughout the day.
What is your favorite line from your book?
“Distance doesn’t automatically break bonds. People do.”
I’ve seen relationships wane, even though people live within driving distance of each other. It’s easy to get wrapped up in our own lives and not make time to get together or even communicate very often with friends or relatives. But I also know situations where despite great physical distance, relationships remain strong because effort is made to keep in contact through cards, phone calls, and even visits when possible. I still have those kind of close friendships after forty years, and they’re a blessing because of the long history and life experiences we’ve shared.
Thank you, Dawn!
You can get a copy of Maddie HERE.
And you can find out more about Dawn Kinzer HERE.
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May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you; may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm; may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you: may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.