About the Book

Book: Small-Town Independence

Author: Carolyn Oravitz

Genre: Christian Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: July 1, 2025

In the charming New England seaside town of Independence, Amanda Gibson came to start over—not fall in love.

Still healing from a painful breakup, Amanda’s only plans involve reopening her late Aunt Helen’s quaint beachside resort and proving to herself she can stand on her own. But Independence has other ideas—starting with Clark Miller, her once-boyish crush turned unexpectedly irresistible local hero.

Clark’s easy smile and steady kindness threaten the careful walls Amanda has built, just as a string of unsettling incidents suggests someone wants her new life—and her business dreams—to fall apart. As Clark offers his help, Amanda must decide whether she’s ready to trust again—not just in romance, but in God’s greater plan.

When secrets from the past begin to surface and danger creeps closer, Amanda will have to face more than just her fears. She’ll have to fight for the truth, the resort, and a second chance at love she never expected.

A heartwarming blend of romance, mystery, and faith, Small-Town Independence is perfect for readers who love clean Christian love stories with a touch of suspense, coastal charm, and hope that endures.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Carolyn Oravitz is a writer, speaker, and cancer survivor who brings heart and hope to the stories she writes. Holding teaching certificates in English and Art, she enjoyed years inspiring creativity in the classroom. Her past writing included literature guides for elementary and middle school students and writing feature articles for a local publication.

In addition to her love of writing and art, she loves hiking, taking part in events at her church, and spending time with her friends and family.

Her other published works include: Yet Will I Hope in Him and What If It Is, two heartfelt reflections on surviving cancer, Write for Publication – Twenty Lessons to Improve Your Writing, which she and others have used as a textbook for writing classes and workshops, and Small Town – Independence, a suspenseful contemporary Christian romance novel. She is presently working on a historical novel blending her passion for the past with her gift of vivid storytelling.

More from Carolyn

I was inspired to write this story after a visit to Bar Harbor, Maine. I loved exploring the rocky coast and hiking trails, and I was fascinated by the mix of grand Victorian mansions and charming cottages. The view from the summit was unforgettable—we caught an incredible sunrise there and even joined an outdoor church service. The whole experience left me both refreshed and inspired, and it became the spark behind this story.

Interview with Carolyn

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I always like writing. Two of my teachers in high school and two of my college professors used my essays as examples for the other students, and that surprised me. I then found out that many students dreaded writing essays which I found easier and much more enjoyable than studying for tests. One of my college English professors told me I should major in English. I didn’t take her advice but appreciated her encouragement. My writing for publication started after I survived cancer, wrote about it, and my book successfully helped others struggling with similar issues. I then started writing for a local magazine as well as other books.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

When I was a child, the kids in our neighborhood used to get together to make up and perform plays. I was part of a group writing those plays. I didn’t really write any books as a kid, but wrote plays for my students as an elementary teacher. The first book that I actually wrote and had published was as an adult after a battle with cancer.

What does your family think of your writing?

I come from a family of writers. My father had a degree in journalism and my mother wrote some beautiful poetry. My sister has a degree in English and has written for publication. My brother is a philosophy professor and has also written for publication. My husband is not a writer and has a background in bio-chemistry, but has encouraged me in my writing and my trips to writing conferences. Although not a fiction reader, he read this book and gave me a 5 star rating. My son is an excellent writer.

Do you base your characters on real people?

My fictional characters are loosely based on combinations of various people I have met, even on myself. The saying “write what you know” comes into play when developing characters. Although somewhat based on character traits of people I know, my characters have their own personalities.

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

https://carolynoravitz.com/about/, Amazon author page, https://www.instagram.com/storytellercarolyn/

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

I am almost finished with my historical fiction book based on the coal regions of Pennsylvania in the early 1900s. This book is roughly based on the lives of my grandfather and great-grandfather. I have done a lot of research about this time period to get my facts right. I’m also working on two more early reader books to add to my big Bob and Little Louie series. My future goal is to also write another romantic suspense novel.

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, December 10 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 11

Simple Harvest Reads, December 12 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, December 13

Guild Master, December 14 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, December 15

Fiction Book Lover, December 16 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 17

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 18 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, December 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 19

A Reader’s Brain, December 20 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 21

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 22 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, December 23

For Him and My Family, December 23

Giveaway

T0 celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3edbf/small-town-independence-celebration-tour-giveaway