Karen Malley: Spotlight on Love in a Lifeboat & a Giveaway
I hope you enjoy Karen Malley’s spotlight on her latest Contemporary Romance, Love in a Lifeboat.
For a chance to win an ebook of her new release, or your choice of book in the Chester County Couples series, be sure to comment below by October 14!
If you were on a cruise ship, would you be inclined to jump onto a lifeboat? Not likely. We’re much more apt to stay on a safe, comfortable ship than to take the chance a lifeboat represents. But what if the ship you were on was sinking? That changes things, doesn’t it?
So often we feel we’re doing fine on our own. But the truth is, without God in our lives, we’re all on a sinking ship. The only way to escape this earth is to cling to the lifeboat Jesus provides. In my latest novel, the heroine, Jan, faces that decision.
Love in a Lifeboat is the third book in the Chester County Couples series, which follows the lives of a group of friends and siblings through the twists and turns of life. They’re standalone, but each story builds on the previous one. Jan shows up early in the series as a well-meaning best friend. But Jan doesn’t understand the joy of a life lived for Jesus. She has to undergo some upheaval before she truly realizes He might be the answer she’s seeking.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could learn our lessons the easy way? We’d follow God’s will in everything and walk in perfect peace. Sure, we’d still have to face challenges and heartaches, but oh, how much easier things would be. Sadly, we never seem to get it quite right. At least, I know I don’t!
I enjoyed writing about Jan’s struggles because what she faces is so common. So many people think they’re getting along fine until something shakes them from their comfort zone. How wonderful it is to know God is ready to catch us when we fall!
Of course, it was also fun to write about their adventures on a cruise ship, from game shows to hidden rubber duck hunts to treasure maps. The tropical islands were a nice change of pace from the earlier books in the series, all set in Chester County, PA. Jan makes her way back to Chester County after the cruise, so in reading Jan’s story, you’ll have a taste of Southeastern PA where I make my home.
My husband and I went on a cruise to celebrate our 25th anniversary. While we didn’t find a hidden treasure in a cave (you’ll have to read the story to find out if Jan did), we shared some adventures and saw some sights featured in the story. It’s always fun to write from my experience.
I hope you’ll give Love in a Lifeboat a try. But more importantly, I pray if you haven’t already, you’ll reach out to Jesus, the true Lifeboat!
While I love writing and sharing my books, I understand sometimes people just need a little encouragement, not an entire novel. That’s why every week I send out a short story devotional to my newsletter subscribers. If you’d like to join the newsletter, you can do so at this link, which will also give you access to a free prequel of the Chester County Couples series.
Enjoy!
Thanks so much for sharing about your book, Karen! My husband and I have been on several cruises, so I loved hearing some familiar fun adventures mentioned in your post. May God continue to bless your writing!
Visit the #HopeFilledFiction blog and comment on Karen Malley’s spotlight by 10/14 for a chance to win an ebook from her Chester County Couples series! #giveaway #ContemporaryRomance
TweetJoin the conversation. Have you ever been on a cruise? Would you like to read Karen’s novel set on a cruise ship? Is Jesus the true Lifeboat in your life? What questions or comments do you have for Karen?
Be sure to comment below by October 14 for a chance to win an ebook of Karen’s new release or the book of your choice from this series!
Love in a Lifeboat by Karen Malley
Click the book cover for purchase link
Jan Richardson doesn’t need anyone—especially not God. She’s built a successful career all on her own, and that’s enough. So what if everyone around her is in love? She’s smart, successful, and just earned a two-week cruise to prove it. The only problem? Kyle Richardson, her arrogant coworker and biggest competition for a promotion, is on the same cruise.
Kyle Richardson has dated lots of girls, but none of the relationships lasted. He’s found his way back to God and he’s looking for forever. When his job sends him on a cruise with the girl who shares his last name, sparks fly. But with his dating history and her insecurities, is there any chance for them to sail away to happiness?
Karen Malley writes Christian fiction with heart, humor, and just enough plot twists to keep you guessing. But don’t worry—she promises a happy ending. By day, she’s a scientist solving real-world problems; on weekends she writes about fictional ones. When she’s not dreaming up new ways to make her characters’ lives interesting, Karen enjoys hiking, reading, and baking things that miraculously don’t turn into science experiments.
A proud left-hander, Karen lives in Pennsylvania with her amazing husband and two sons, all of whom tolerate her habit of narrating life as if it were a novel. A lover of Jesus, peanut butter, and board game nights, Karen believes the best stories are the ones full of hope, faith, and happily-ever-afters.
If you’re interested in getting weekly short-story devotionals, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes looks at her stories, visit her website and/or sign up for her newsletter HERE.
You can also connect with her on Facebook HERE.
Please share Karen’s post on social media to help spread the word about her new release!
If you missed Michelle Shocklee’s interview about The Women of Oak Ridge last week, FIND IT HERE.
Deena Adams
As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is a multi-award-winning author, an active ACFW member, and a six-year ACFW Virginia board member. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
15 Comments
Deena Adams
Congratulations to Kera, the winner of Karen’s book! Please check your email for info.
Barbara M. Britton
Hi Karen and Deena. I loved your latest romance, Karen. Now, I want to go on another cruise. I have cruised to Alaska, around Hawaii, to Mexico, and to the Caribbean. I haven’t been on a ship since Covid.
Karen Malley
Thanks, Barbara! Sounds like you’ve been to some amazing places!
Deena Adams
Thanks for stopping by, Barbara! My husband and I have been on a few cruises and had such a great time. We haven’t been since Covid either, and hubby is itching to go!
Kelly V.
I’ve been on a few cruises, the latest being for my 10th wedding anniversary last spring. I think a cruise is an excellent setting for a book!
Deena Adams
Happy belated anniversary, Kelly! A cruise setting for a novel does sound fun!
Karen Malley
It was a fun setting to write about!
Kera Bell
If my if my ship that I was going on a cruise which sinking yes, I would get on a lifeboat and I would also have to ask someone else for help. I would like to go on a cruise sometime..
Deena Adams
Hi, Kera. My husband and I have been on several cruises and we really enjoy them. I hope you get to go one day! And I hope you get a chance to read Karen’s book.
Karen Malley
I hope you never have to worry about getting on a lifeboat. Hopefully you’ll have a chance to go on a cruise someday!
Patty Johnson
Sounds like a good thanks for sharing with me
Deena Adams
Thanks for reading the post and commenting, Patty!
Traci
I receive her newsletter, although I’ve never read any of her books. This would be a good place to start!
Deena Adams
As good a place as any, Traci! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Karen Malley
This would be a fun one to start with!