Glitter and the Grouch by MAry Pat Johns

Good morning, again, readers!

Are you feeling the effects of fall yet? Like maybe chilly in the early morning but regretting the sweater come afternoon? We are definitely in that phase here in Mid-Michigan. But maybe a sweet romance will help with that.

Today I have author, Mary Pat Johns visiting the Back Porch to talk about her new book Glitter and the Grouch.

I have had Mary here before to talk about her book Counting on Jesse, so this should be like a visit with a dear friend.

Welcome back to The Porch, Mary.

When you write, are there any particular themes or messages that you find yourself returning to in your writing?

The themes of redemption and rescue appear often in my writing. Every person has need of redemption, and that often appears in the form of a second chance. And, as human beings, our fallen state is not enough to satisfy a holy God. We need to be rescued in the spiritual sense of the word, and Jesus Christ accomplishedthat for us. Therefore, I show characters who need physical rescue and their rescuers as an echo of what Christ did for us.

Amen to that! We are all in a pit with out the rescuing grace of God.

So, tell us about Glitter and the Grouch. I admit that images of Sesame Street characters, Oscar the Grouch and Abby Cadaby, immediately came to mind when I saw your title.

What was the initial spark or idea that inspired this book?

A couple of minor characters from Books 1 & 2 of my Romance in Valiant series were really talking to me about having their own story. I also love the Texas Water Safari, a river race that takes place in Texas, so I combined the ideas, and Glitter and the Grouch was born.

I love it when minor characters find a home in another book.

What research did you conduct, if any, while writing this book? How did it influence the story or characters?

The husband of a friend has completed the race 32 times, and he’s written a book about his experiences. An enormous part of my research was interviewing him and reading his book. And though I didn’t plan it, he was the inspiration for a minor character in the story.

Real people inspire us all the time. What a treat.

What setting(s) did you choose for your book, and why were they important to the story?

The setting begins at Peeps, a popular gym in Valiant, Texas, but it doesn’t stay there. The gym is also the setting for the first 2 books of my series. However, most of Glitter and the Grouch takes place on the San Marcos and Guadalupe Rivers because the two main characters participate in the Texas Water Safari, an annual river race in Texas.

Can you describe your writing process for this book? Did you encounter any unique challenges along the way?

There were two new challenges: Getting the narrative aligned with the actual race and checkpoints was a real head-banger. Also, the character group in the story is close-knit and tend to show affection. During the race, however, the two participants were not supposed to have physical contact with anyone but their partner. It was hard not to show hugs with family members and friends.

So true. I see family and hugs start to go around.

What message, if any, do you hope your book conveys to readers?

We’re capable of doing more than we think, and God is right by our side, offering help when we need it the most.

I love that. It helps knowing we are not alone in our walk.

Can you share any details about your upcoming projects or works-in-progress?

I’m working on Waitin’ On Paige, the fourth and last book of theRomance in Valiant series. Tavo has loved Paige since high school, but Paige is not on the same page. Yes, dreadfully bad pun. Will they find their happily-ever-after? Hm. It certainly doesn’t appear that way.

Sounds like another wonderful story.

Thank you, Mary, for joining us today. I pray this tour blesses you.

Readers, please be sure to continue reading and discover more about Glitter and the Grouch, then enter the giveaway and leave a comment below.

About the Book

Book: Glitter and the Grouch (Romance in Valiant Book Three. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: Mary Pat Johns

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: September 3, 2024

Silas and Nat don’t get along. Neither can they leave each other alone. When a prank goes terribly wrong at their workplace, they face an impossible choice.

Either they compete in a canoe race to prove they can work together or forfeit their futures at Peeps. Quitting isn’t the norm for either of them. Good thing, because their boss isn’t backing down an inch. He assures them they can accomplish anything they set their minds to, even if it’s 3 days and 260 miles of river.

There’s only one catch—they’ll have to be in the same boat.

Will they reach deep inside to find out what they’re made of? Or will they succumb to the physical rigors of the event and the machinations of Nat’s controlling ex?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mary Pat Johns’ writing career began once she retired from years of teaching speech and writing. She’s written devotions for an online publication and had short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul. She currently writes a weekly faith column for the local newspaper. Countin’ On Jesse, her first novel debuted in 2023, and book 2 of the Valiant series, Lovin’ On Red, released in release in 2024. God put it in her heart to tell stories of brave veterans and their reintegration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war.

She lives in South Texas with her husband and their two dapple dachshunds. Her grown children and five grandchildren are useful sorts who keep her grounded with her reading/writing obsession. You can find her at the gym, at her computer, or reading a good book.

More from Mary

I wrote Glitter and the Grouch for two reasons. The first reason was peace of mind. LOL. Two minor characters from Books 1 & 2 of the Valiant series INSISTED on having their own story. Rather, Nat insisted and Silas grudgingly followed. He hated the idea at first, but all’s well that ends well.

The second reason is I absolutely LOVE the Texas Water Safari and follow it every year. When I talked to a friend who competes, he wasn’t sure how I would write a book about it. When I explained it would be a story about two people who fall in love during the race, he grinned from ear to ear and said that scenario had happened a few times.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 11

Back Porch Reads, October 12 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 12

For Him and My Family, October 13

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 14 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 15

Fiction Book Lover, October 16 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 17

Vicky Sluiter, October 18 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 20 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, October 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 21

Simple Harvest Reads, October 22 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 23

For the Love of Literature, October 24 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and copy of the book!!

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

6 Comments

debby236 on October 12, 2024 at 9:11 am

Thanks for the great post. I would like to read more.
marypatjohns27facf9242 on October 12, 2024 at 12:39 pm

Thank you, Melissa, for the lovely interview. It’s a true pleasure to answer your questions about Glitter and the Grouch. And, yes, Sy can get grouchy in a heartbeat, just like Oscar.
Roxanne C. on October 12, 2024 at 2:02 pm

Oh, the differences between the two main characters are going to create some interesting interactions in that boat. This will be a great read.
bn100 on October 13, 2024 at 7:56 am

fun cover
Jcp on October 13, 2024 at 2:18 pm

I enjoyed the interview
jlb12563 on October 13, 2024 at 2:49 pm

Looks like a good book.