About the Book
Book: Who Brought the Dog to Church?
Author: Tracy L. Smoak
Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction
Release Date: June, 2023
Betty is sure that Ida Lou does not belong in their church when the woman shows up to the Good Friday service with her small dog in tow. But before she knows what’s happening, Betty is pushed into helping the woman as she deals with the sudden hospitalization of her husband. Having lost her own husband just one year ago, Betty is chosen as the perfect person to help walk through this valley with the newcomer—along with the other women of the WUFHs (Women United For Him).
Sarah McAdams knows her husband loves her. He just loses his temper sometimes. It comes with the stress of being a highly recognized police officer. But when Sarah makes the decision that this is not the life she wants for her young son, will she be able to get out alive? Where can she go? And who will help her?
God works in mysterious ways—and through ordinary people. The town of Prosper is about to experience some drama—and it all starts with a dog who comes to church.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
A native Floridian, Tracy L. Smoak grew up riding horses and climbing citrus trees. Her passion is to encourage others in their faith journey. Smoak writes for Guideposts. Ambassador International released her debut novel, Who Brought the Dog to Church?. Bold Vision published her Bible study about encouragement titled Refuge of Grace: Finding Your Safe Place.
She loves photography and authored two hardcover devotionals with her original nature art (Living Water to Refresh Your Soul–tranquil lake scenes; and Arranged with Love– floral landscapes).
Smoak holds a master’s in Education and a bachelor’s in Communication. At her church home, she leads small-group Bible studies. She is an active member of Word Weavers International.
More from Tracy
What secrets are hidden behind your neighbor’s door? What do you try to hide?
The idea for this contemporary fiction began in a small country church during an Easter prayer vigil a decade ago. As I sat in the pew late at night, I heard a strange scratching noise. When I turned to locate the sound’s source, I saw a woman across the aisle with a little Yorkie.
The vigil was silent, so I didn’t approach the lady, but I did wonder why that pooch accompanied her in the sanctuary. That scenario, connected with others in my weekly involvement in several volunteer roles, sparked imagination. We judge appearances and may completely miss needs of the heart. Do we know our neighbors?
Experiences as an advocate for survivors of domestic violence started me wondering how do people get free from damaging situations? What are the obstacles holding them back?
Serving as a Stephens Ministry leader in my home church exposed me to people suffering loss. How are we to stand with those crushed with grief?
Another volunteer role helping immigrants settle in the U.S. reminded me of the difficulties they face. How can one fill out an online job application when a person relocates from a refugee camp with no electricity and never has had a computer?
The story’s heart is learning to really see, and know, our neighbors. Three women and their friendships reveal how doing good unites a community. Through comic misunderstandings and risky undertakings, the characters show us how to be Christ’s hands and feet.
Short videos to introduce the main characters can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kuEoU7pFvU&list=PLf6ZzeQjavMcocMuZDOZUvLxZG48BiWm5&index=1.
Audio book excerpts can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwxqS2mNisI&list=PLf6ZzeQjavMcocMuZDOZUvLxZG48BiWm5&index=9.
Video resources for survivors of domestic violence are at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3Aq2myofjo&list=PLf6ZzeQjavMd0mkdKujmZeq7iKDzi8IoQ&index=2.
Interview with Tracy
Thank you so much for being willing to invest time in sharing an interview about Who Brought the Dog to Church? The journey to publication has taken more than a decade, but many life experiences enrich the text. I so appreciate you help sharing details with readers! More details at http://tracysmoak.com.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Most of the ideas come from real experiences expanded with imagination. For example, in Who Brought the Dog to Church?, I built upon actual occurrences. My dad had had a heart attack, and the family was dealing with grief. Another layer developed with volunteer work helping immigrants adjust to US culture since I wanted to extend the hospitality I’d enjoyed traveling internationally. Being involved as an advocate for survivors of domestic violence enlightened me about hidden dangers in homes. As a retired teacher, I am curious and love learning.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book?
The characters took on lives of their own. After a while, I could hear their voices in my head and saw events from their perspectives. It was almost like watching a movie. As I went out and about, the characters took turns narrating life and pointing out unexpected insights. I felt more like the audience than the director, but the outward focus freed me to see in fresh ways.
Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Immerse yourself in relationships with others and seek new experiences. This willingness to grow socially and emotionally enriches your writing and makes you more relatable. Study body language and facial expressions so that you can re-create minute details that reveal underlying emotions with showing, rather than telling. For example, instead of writing Sarah wasn’t confident, you could pen Sarah’s too-large dress sagged on thin shoulders. I keep a sensory notebook of smells, tastes, textures, and sounds to reference later in scenes. Scent is the most difficult for me, so I often ask friends to describe a perfume or odor and record their ideas.
What do you think makes a good story?
Literature that compels attention and gives people a mirror for self-examination is powerful. How are we similar to the villain? What can we learn from the protagonist about how to rise above adversity? Regardless of culture or era, what timeless truths stand for how to live our lives well? I also adore plot twists and respect authors who deliver the unexpected in a way to make me question preconceived notions and expand my outlook.
What project are you working on now and how do we find your books?
There are many projects happening! In addition to writing a devotional about wisdom and taking nature art photographs capturing God’s majesty, I also am learning new technology to remind people of God’s love. Links for each are below:
Short reels to introduce the main characters in Who Brought the Dog to Church?
One-minute audio book excerpts of the novel Who Brought the Dog to Church?
Free downloads on study guides for Refuge of Grace: Finding Your Safe Place, a collection of 22 stories from the Bible to encourage anyone going through a hard time:
https://www.tracysmoak.com/bible-study.html
One-minute reels with my nature art photography and Bible verses for soothing inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjFHHQfOSjU&list=PLf6ZzeQjavMepIwbx7p1VRWzmnvutq99l&index=2
Resources to help inform about domestic violence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3Aq2myofjo&list=PLf6ZzeQjavMd0mkdKujmZeq7iKDzi8IoQ&index=2
Website is http://tracysmoak.com
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 28
Lighthouse Academy Blog, February 29 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 1 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 1
Texas Book-aholic, March 2
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 3
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 4
Pause for Tales, March 5
Artistic Nobody, March 6 (Author Interview)
Lots of Helpers, March 6
Cover Lover Book Review, March 7
Fiction Book Lover, March 8 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 9
For Him and My Family, March 10
Books I’ve Read, March 11
Girls in White Dresses, March 12
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Tracy is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy each of Who Brought the Dog to Church? and Refuge of Grace: Finding Your Safe Place!!
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/2a3cd/who-brought-the-dog-to-church
Stories By Gina 
This book sounds so good !!
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Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
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I just finished a novel as well and can so relate to the characters taking on lives of their own — two of mine even became involved in a romance (I did not see that coming!). Thanks for a really interesting interview.
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This sounds like an interesting book that I would enjoy reading. I love that it all starts with a dog at church! I love animals!
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