About the Book

Book: Relinquished

Author: Susan K. Beatty

Genre: Christian Woman’s Fiction

Release date: May 16, 2023

When Teagan Parsons discovers that the Amber Alert on a celebrity couple’s child is actually her daughter, she’s determined to rescue the daughter she relinquished years ago. If she’d only realized the emotions her mission would rekindle…

No one takes her kid and gets away with it.

Having a cousin in the FBI gets her closer to the case than she could have dreamed, but instead of listening to the lead FBI agent’s warnings to “leave the job to the professionals,” Teagan begins following everyone she suspects. That old saying, “Don’t quit your day job,” has never been truer, but she’ll do whatever it takes to bring her daughter home safe.

Mitch McCartney has enough trouble on his hands without dealing with a guilt-ridden, biological mother bent on making up for past sins. Teagan seems to have developed a talent for getting things wrong and putting herself in danger. Oh… and she’s adding theft to her rap sheet—theft of his heart, anyway.

Then Teagan goes missing.

Learning you can’t undo the past is a tough enough lesson without adding on more mistakes, but with Mitch’s help, Teagan may, with the Lord’s Guidance, forge a brighter future this time.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Susan K. Beatty is in her third career—from journalist to homeschool tech writer to her life-long dream of becoming a novelist. She is proof you can start a new writing career late in life. Susan released her first published fiction in September 2019, and now an awarding winner author, this is her third novel, with several novelettes and short stories to her credit. She is passionate about finding courage through faith and grit. Susan lives with her husband of forty-nine years in Southern California. Add children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to the mix and she has little time for her favorite hobbies of reading, watching classic movies, British crime dramas, and traveling.

More from Susan

The seeds of a story sometimes lay dormant in an author for years. Then they grow and grab the author, demanding to be told. Until eventually the author gives in.

In my case, I didn’t have to give in. I knew I would write some version of the story eventually.

It began in 1968, when I was young, unmarried, and pregnant. It continued through 1969 when I gave my child up for adoption. Of course, any birth mother will tell you the actual story doesn’t end there.

After I became a Christian in 1973, I grew into a better understanding of my journey. New emotions had to be dealt with when my daughter and I were reunited in 1988 when she was nineteen. We enjoyed getting to know each other despite our differences in faith, but those lost years could not be regained—another set of emotions to come to terms with.

I couldn’t write our story, but I wanted to write something that revealed the emotional dilemma birth mothers wrestle with: forgiveness, regret, accepting that one won’t take part in the baby’s childhood, and, if there is a reunion, accepting a new reality. This usually means discovering, despite a newfound relationship, the birth mother will never be that child’s mom.

But I also wanted to show God’s grace, healing, and a hope for a future (including the addition of light romance).

Not wanting the book to get weighed down in maudlin narrative, I tried to lift it above the muck and show the birth mother’s strength and courage. What better way to do that than throw her in the middle of a dangerous, life-threatening situation?

Note to birth mothers: If you have unresolved issues, there may be triggers in Relinquished. I urge you to spend time in prayer and allow the Lord to heal you regardless of whether you read the book. And, if you need it, there is no shame in getting counseling.

Note to adoptive mothers: I hope you get a glimpse into the other side of the story.

Note to all readers: Praying the Lord shines through Teagan’s story to illuminate your heart.

Interview with Susan

Can you share with us something about the book that isn’t in the blurb?

Despite knowing God forgives, birth mother Teagan Parsons is ashamed of the moral failure that produced her child. She seldom shares about relinquishing her baby for fear of being judged. Then she must explain it to the head FBI agent, a total stranger, as her reason for inserting herself into the investigation of her missing child. As John Wayne is famous for saying, “Courage is being afraid, but saddling up anyway.” Teagan saddles up, even to the point of putting herself in danger.

Does one of the main characters hold a special place in your heart? If so, why?

Teagan is special because the struggle with her past and the emotions surrounding it reflect my own. I am a birth mother who experienced all the same, or at least similar, emotions. My story is not Teagan’s story (my daughter wasn’t kidnapped!), but my past shares similar thoughts and angst. I’m grateful God is so forgiving, and that I was reunited with my daughter when she was nineteen. Our subsequent relationship, with the Lord’s help, has broken many of the past barriers.

What were the highlight or key challenges you faced when writing this book?

My key challenge when writing Relinquished was showing Teagan’s emotional journey without being melodramatic. I also had to dig deep into my own experience and emotions, which dredged up a lot I thought I had put aside.

What is the key theme and/or message in the book?

We can’t change our past, but we need to let God forgive our sins and relinquish our present and future as we trust Him. Too often Teagan acted without consulting the Lord, almost always with unfavorable—sometimes disastrous—results. Relinquishing our desires to God’s perfect will takes faith and courage.

Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

I’d love readers to visit my website (www.susankbeatty.com) where I blog, and also subscribe to my newsletter. You can follow me on social media. Among my social media platforms is my Facebook author page. https://www.facebook.com/SusanKBeattyAuthor/  You can find more links on my website. My Goodreads author page is https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19509173.Susan_K_Beatty

Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

I’m working on my second (2024) and third (2025) books in the Suamalie Islands multi-author series for Celebrate Lit. It’s exciting working with so many talented authors, although sometimes a challenge to keep the facts straight when it comes to the fictional location. I invite readers to join our special Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/islandsreadergroup

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 13

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 14

Texas Book-aholic, June 15

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 16 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 17

An Author’s Take, June 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 19

Artistic Nobody, June 20 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 22

Guild Master, June 23 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 23

Blogging With Carol, June 24

For Him and My Family, June 25

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, June 26 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2658a/relinquished-celebration-tour-giveaway