About the Book
Book: Relinquished
Author: Susan K. Beatty
Genre: Christian Woman’s Fiction
Release date: May 16, 2023
No one takes her kid and gets away with it.
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…
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.
My Thoughts
Relinquished is written by Susan K. Beatty. This is part of the Faces of Courage series, but can be read as stand alone. I had my oldest child at the age of 15. I contemplated adoption. While I ultimately ended up keeping her, this story made me thankful for choices.
Teagan Parsons gave her child up for adoption nine years ago. She wanted the child to be raised in a two parent household. When an Amber Alert goes out on a celebrity's child - Teagan realizes that the child missing is her daughter. She wants to help - cannot just sit around so she contacts her cousin, Bobbie. Bobbie is an FBI agent and is assigned to the case.
Mitch is frustrated with her at first - he thinks she is just trying to atone for past sins. However, he starts to see her grit and grace. She will even put herself in harms way to help find her child. I loved that even though she knows she has no legal claim to Gemma, she wants to do everything in her power to help. I loved that everyone was a suspect at some point in the story.
The book is well written. The story line draws you in within the first few pages. 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
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
This work of apocalyptic fiction is based on reality to come. The lines have been purposely blurred between pure fact and pure fiction. It is a warning based on God’s Word. He has told us a time of unprecedented terror is about to come upon the earth. His wrath will be poured out on sinful and unrepentant humanity in a series of judgements. The intensity and severity of these judgements will be unparalleled in human history. The judgements will be on a global scale that will take place over a seven-year period.
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