About the Book
Book: To Belong Together
Author: Emily Conrad
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release date: February 28, 2022
Drummer John Kennedy can keep a beat, but he can’t hold a conversation, so he relies on actions to show he cares. Unfortunately, when he’s instantly intrigued by a spunky female mechanic, he can’t seem to convey the sincerity of his intentions. And the rejections don’t stop there. His own sister is pushing him away just when he could help her most.
Erin Hirsh’s life would be easier if God hadn’t given her a love for cars. Only her father understood her, and she’s losing him to dementia. Her brief romances have always backfired worse than a mistuned engine, and she refuses to give John the chance to wreck her heart. A rock star with a supermodel ex can’t possibly see anything in her.
At least that’s what she thinks until they find common ground in faith and their worsening family situations leave them each longing for a place to belong. Could God intend for this pair of opposites to belong together?
To Belong Together is the second book in the Rhythms of Redemption Romances. The men of the rock band Awestruck have conquered the music industry, but to find redemption and love, they must each face the wounds of the past. Good thing no one—and no difficult situation—is too much for grace.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
More from Emily
Who are you?
On the surface, this is a simple question, but as it kept popping up in To Belong Together, I realized my characters kept asking it because their answers left them unsatisfied and insecure.
(Which is writer speak for: My brain kept circling back to the question because God had something to show me!)
At first, the answer for John seems to be that he’s a famous drummer. For Erin, it’s that she’s her father’s daughter (her father instilled her love of cars).
If someone I’ve just met asks me who I am, I usually say, “I’m Emily. I’m a novelist.”
I’m sure you have a way you describe yourself too.
These easy answers are helpful in conversation. In fact, I’d love for you to comment on this post with your answer, because it’s a point of connection with people we’re getting to know, and I love to get to know readers and other writers!
But, as I was writing To Belong Together, I realized anew that these things are not our identities. They are roles—roles we play in relationships, in our jobs, in our hobbies. Because a role is not the same as an identity, it can’t provide the lasting purpose, worth, and security we crave.
As believers in Christ, our eternal identity is that we are beloved children of God.
Because our roles take so much of our time and energy, and because they really do serve a purpose in conversation when we’re meeting someone new, I think it’s easy to lose sight of that greater identity.
At least, I know John and Erin struggled with it. (Again, writer speak for: I needed some reminders in this area!)
If you read To Belong Together, I hope you enjoy seeing that theme pop up throughout the novel and come away with a greater understanding of who you are in Christ. After all, that identity makes all the difference as we fill those beloved roles God’s blessed us with.
If you have a minute to introduce yourself in comments, I’d love to meet you!
My Thoughts
To Belong Together is written by Emily Conrad. This is book two in the Rhythms of Redemption series. I have read book one - but you can read them as a stand alone.
Erin Hirsh is a different type of woman. She has grown up around cars. Most do not understand her. Her father does, but he is struggling with dementia. She is insecure in some ways due to holding a profession that is so male driven.
John Kennedy (who we met first in the first book) plays the drums in the band Awestruck and has family struggles of his own. His own sister is pushing him away. John is very interested in Erin. He has some deep wounds from past relationships.
This is a book of where opposites attract. They both bring out the good in each other. I love that the author created characters that had a deep Christian faith. With this faith they are facing trials of their own with their families. The author always writes such deep faith stories. This is a reminder of God’s grace - no matter how far we have fallen.
The cover is beautiful, the story is well written and the author has developed her characters wonderfully. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book all thoughts are my own.
Blog Stops
Inklings and notions, September 24
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 25
Texas Book-aholic, September 26
deb’s Book Review, September 27
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 28
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 29 (Author Interview)
The Sacred Line, September 29
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 1 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, October 1
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 2
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 3
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 4
For Him and My Family, October 5
Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen, October 6 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 7
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Emily is giving away the grand prize package of a 10 Amazon gift card, an electronic copy of To Belong Together, and 2 hand-painted and framed pine forest watercolors (US Only) or printable PDF downloads of the paintings (International)!!
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/21aaa/to-belong-together-celebration-tour-giveaway
I'm so glad you enjoyed John and Erin's story, Connie! It means so much to me that the faith themes came through in a meaningful way. Thanks for reading!
ReplyDeleteI am excited to read - sounds like a great book!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts on To Belong Together, this sounds like a story that I will enjoy reading and I am adding it to my TBR
ReplyDelete