Janell Goodrich York: Spotlight on Letting Go of Perfect & a Giveaway

I hope you enjoy this spotlight post from Janell Goodrich York about her new Women’s Fiction release, Letting Go of Perfect.

Be sure to comment below by November 3 for a chance to win a paperback of Janell’s new novel AND the first book in The Sisterhood Pie Pact series, The Day Sarah Ran Away! (US address only)

What started out as a stand-alone book, The Day Sarah Ran Away, unexpectedly became a series. Before I typed, “The End” on the last page of book one, I knew I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Delores, Irene, Agnus, Bea, or Sarah. 

So, I began writing book two, Letting Go of Perfect. This story is set in Sarah’s fictional home town. The point of view alternates between Olivia Piercey’s and Teddy Patterson’s point of view. Both characters are mentioned in book one. Olivia is Sarah’s neighbor. Teddy is Bea’s son. 

As the overall themes developed for book two, there were several questions I pondered. For example, what does perfect look like? What causes someone to be a perfectionist? How does a perfectionist let go of perfectionism? How does it feel when the imagined picture-perfect image doesn’t match reality? How do we forgive others who have hurt us? How do we forgive ourselves? Which one is easier–forgiving others or ourselves? And where would the “sisterhood” fit into all of this?

I’m hoping Olivia’s story will appeal to a wide range of readers. She’s younger than the other ladies and a parent of two children. She’s an elementary teacher and a recent college graduate. But don’t let her accomplishments fool you, she’s had heartache and betrayal. 

Teddy’s story was harder to write. He’s charming and funny. Some of his lines had me swooning, even though writing romance is awkward for me. He’s also grieving and heartbroken. In a few chapters, it was difficult to type with tears streaming down my cheeks.

Adding the free-spirited Irene character to the sisterhood was fun. She is also mentioned in book one. She’s a wonderful addition to the group of ladies.  

I based the setting on a combination of three towns in my area. I was in the fifth grade when my dad and I moved to a small town. It changed my life. I thought we’d moved to Mayberry. It was important to me to convey in this book the sense of belonging and gratitude I have for the people who made us feel at home. 

While the stories and characters are fictional, I enjoy leaving a few subtle references from my childhood in my books for my family to find.

If you enjoy small town nostalgia, second chances, community, friendships, redemption, humor, and a little romance—grab a slice of pie, your favorite beverage, and a copy of Letting Go of Perfect.

Thanks so much for sharing about your new release, Janell. It sounds like another great story! May God continue to bless you on your writing and publishing journey.

Join the conversation. Have you read Janell’s first book, The Day Sarah Ran Away? Does Letting Go of Perfect sound like a story you’d like to read? What questions and comments do you have for Janell?

Be sure to comment below by November 3 for a chance to win both of Janell’s books in The Sisterhood Pie Pact series! (US address only)

Letting Go of Perfect by Janell Goodrich York

Click the book cover for Amazon link

When the perfect life falls apart, something better may be waiting.

Starting over wasn’t part of the plan. But with two young children depending on her, Olivia moves her family from the city to a small town, a new job, and the chance to build a life that belongs to her.

An invitation to a book club draws her into the unexpected circle of the Sisterhood Pie Pact women, who provide friendship, community, and a little mischief.

Then she meets Teddy.

A devoted single father, Teddy carries his own broken past. Still haunted by the accident that changed his life, he has spent years allowing guilt to convince him that happiness belongs to everyone but him.

As Olivia settles into her new life, her friendship with Teddy deepens. But moving forward means confronting old wounds, releasing expectations, and deciding whether the past will continue defining the future.

With a little faith, a lot of friendship, and plenty of pie, Olivia begins to discover that starting over may be less about rebuilding what she lost and more about embracing what comes next.

For readers drawn to the emotional depth of For One More Day, the family relationships of The Chicken Sisters, and heartfelt women’s fiction about second chances.

Discover a story of family, friendship, faith, and the courage to let go of perfect.

Janell Goodrich York is a retired high school guidance counselor. She was raised in a small town in Southwest Missouri. Janell enjoys traveling, especially to beach destinations. She loves to hang out with her family and spoil her two dogs. Janell is a girl mom of three awesome daughters and Meme to five “perfect” grandkids. Janell lives in Missouri with her wonderful husband.

Her debut novel, The Day Sarah Ran Away, won third place in the 2026 Selah Contemporary Women’s Fiction Category. Her novel also won third place for Best Fiction in the Missouri Writers Guild Awards. Janell’s second novel in the Sisterhood Pie Pact Series, Letting Go of Perfect, releases in October 2026.

Connect with Janell: Website / Instagram / Facebook

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If you missed Karen Mains Procopio’s interview about her debut release, Finding Me, FIND IT HERE.