13 Reasons Why Blog Tour - Day 6: Random Facts

I'm in denial that the blog tour is half over already. It seems like just yesterday that we were planning this thing . . . in January. ANYWAY.

Today's reason to live: there's nothing random with God. Matthew 6:26 says, "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" I don't pay much attention to birds unless they're in my front yard, honestly. Really, who does, other than bird obsessors? So why should God? But He does. He feeds the birds. He knows how many hairs on your head. So even when it seems like what's going on right now can't possibly be a part of something good or bigger . . . no. Just no. It hurts now, but you are not forgotten. God doesn't look at you and say, "oh look, here's a person to make hurt for a little while." Everything that happens is for His glory. It might hurt for now, but the best is yet to come. He loves you. You're not alone, people.

1. In the rough draft, Cara dies at the end of the book. (don't kill me, y'all. I wanted to get back at my author friends that kill their characters.)

2. Titus and Fergus are biological brothers. Surprisingly, their names coordinating wasn't planned.

3. The title has never been changed.

4. I made wayyy too many mock covers before finally settling on one that I actually liked.

This one was ALMOST the final. Almost.

5. Contrary to what you may think, I didn't consume boatloads of coffee during the writing of this book. I don't even like coffee.

6. The book is about two thousand words less than in the rough draft. It hurt to get rid of that many, but . . . it was necessary, unfortunately.

7. I'm really bad at coming up with random facts.

8. I actually enjoyed editing . . . until about the 4th time.

9. Titus and Cara were originally going to have a prank war that got out of hand, but it never happened, sadly.

10. If you've got any imagination at all, reading about near-drowning cases can make you feel like you're drowning yourself.

11. Peter and Erich are the only blond siblings (besides Cara, that is). The rest are all dark-haired. I should've given Eddie red hair, though . . .

12. My writing partner probably knows more about this book than I do.

13. The whole time I wrote this thing (until I hit 50k, obviously) I was convinced that it'd be no longer than a novella. Ha.

Visit Faith's blog for 13 random facts about Freedom!

Life without love is hopeless. 

Foster teen Cara Richards is unloved. With nothing left and nowhere to go, she is determined to find peace, no matter the cost. But despite her intentions, she’s tossed into another foster family and this time, there’s no going back to who she used to be. To make matters worse, one of her five new foster brothers is a Jesus freak, and she refuses to believe that God actually cares.

Her world is thrown upside down in a way she never expects. Though she prides herself on a resilient heart, her mind is lost adrift among a sea of questions: Is death really the answer? Does God care about someone as unworthy as me? Can everyone truly be loved, no matter what?

Goodreads | Amazon | Paperback preorder

Having just returned to American soil from the desert sands of the Middle East, James Greene is done with his life. 'Double amputee' doesn't seem like a strong enough phrase to label the physical and emotional pain he bears. Add the lack of love and communication with his family members, the demons that haunt him day and night, and he can find nothing worth living for. Ending it all is the only way out. 

Alexandria Lorance is a not-so-ordinary physical therapist, content with aiding in her patients' recoveries. Her work gives her fulfillment, but alone in the silence, she still endures the hidden scars of a past, unhealthy relationship. Reminding herself that true healing is found in Christ alone, she seeks to show kindness and love to everyone she meets.


When these two broken ones' paths intersect, the spark of friendship is ignited, bringing hope and joy to both. Can they step out of the darkness of suffering and into the freedom of grace? 


A Marine, broken by war. A therapist, scarred by words. A chance meeting in a parking lot bonded them together. But can love grow in these two hurting hearts? Or are they truly too broken to ever find lasting happiness?

Goodreads | Amazon | Paperback preorder

Blog tour stops
Angela @ The Peculiar Messenger — 2x Author Interview

Laura @ Beautiful Things — 2x Review

Molly @ Qadash - Set Apart, for Him — Review of Freedom

Hannah @ Elizabeth’s Corner — Interview w/ Faith

Click on the image to be redirected to the giveaway

Don't forget about the Q&A!

Nothing is random with God, y'all. Choose life.