Tea Time with

Author Deena Adams

I’m so glad you’ve joined me today for a special afternoon tea. I’ve got a cup of no-caff chai (a rooibos blend), a tray full of shortbread cookies, cucumber sandwiches, and scones with the requisite clotted cream and jam. Help yourself to anything you like and whatever beverage makes the day perfect.

Today, it is my personal joy to introduce you to Deena Adams. Deena writes hope-filled fiction, and her newest release, Stronger than the Storm, is available for you to enjoy now.

I’ve been blessed to know Deena since almost the beginning of my writing journey. We met (and continue to meet) at a yearly writing retreat, and I’ve had the privilege of Deena write, edit, and shape Stronger than the Storm into what you read now. I am so proud of her and so excited to introduce you to her.

Before we dive into the interview, allow me to formally introduce you to Deena.

As a Jesus girl for over thirty years, and a pastor’s wife for most of those, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life. This belief fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true-life stories.

She is a Certified Mental Health Coach, a multi-award-winning author, an active ACFW member, founder of the Marathon online writers group, and a six-year ACFW Virginia board member.

Deena lives with her husband near the coast in beautiful Virginia. When she’s not writing, reading, or serving in her church, you’ll find her hanging out with family and friends, playing board games, and doting on her seven grandchildren. 

*For those who sign up for Deena’s newsletter, she’s offering an e-copy of her novellette, Behind the Scenes*

Connect with the author:

Website  |  Newsletter  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |   LinkedIn  |  X  |  Amazon  |  BookBub  |  GoodReads

Let’s dive into our Speedy Six

CC: Be invisible or read minds?

Deena: Be invisible

CC: Road trip or airplane?

Deena: road trip

CC: Fancy restaurant or home-cooked meal?

Deena: Home-cooked meal

Tea Sandwiches and Savories

CC: I love getting to see how God works in each author’s life.

How have you seen God work in your writing journey?

DEENA: When I first launched into the writing world in 2018, I had no clue how to write a novel, nor about everything else that goes along with publishing a book. With my limited knowledge and lack of confidence, I needed God to walk beside me every step of the way on this journey, and He has.

I can’t tell you how many times I considered quitting, but when I asked God to let me know if He wanted me to continue, He always gave me some encouragement through a scripture, a friend, a contest recognition, or other means to nudge me forward.

Through every rejection along the way, God lifted me up and reminded me that I’m doing this for Him. My only responsibility is to obey, and then leave the results up to Him.

I can’t imagine doing this without the Lord. In fact, I would never attempt to do this without Him. I am nothing on my own, and He deserves ALL the credit for anything good that comes from me.

CC: That is such a good reminder for myself as well. This journey is definitely an act of submission to God. I feel like I might know the next answer, but . . .

Why do you write Christian Fiction?

DEENA: Because my faith is the most important aspect of my life, and I desire to share God’s amazing grace, mercy, and love with readers through writing stories that point to Jesus and the wonderful hope we have in Him.

As an avid reader as far back as I can remember, and a believer for over thirty years, Christian Fiction is what I love to read, so it makes sense that’s what I would write. I especially enjoy reading and writing stories with deep themes and strong faith threads, and I know there are others out there who enjoy that, too, so I hope to provide stories for them that will challenge their faith and help them connect more deeply with God.

CC: I love how you desire to share your love of Christ and encourage others through your writing.

Scones with Cream and Jam

This is always my favorite part of high tea … and of book talks! Who doesn’t like to learn about a new story? Before I start asking Deena questions about her book, allow me to whet your appetite with the book description!

CC: I’m so looking forward to diving into learning more about this story.

So what will fans of Stronger than the Storm love about your story and characters?

DEENA: Readers who enjoy gritty, real-life fiction that doesn’t shy away from messy situations will appreciate the portrayal of authentic struggles people face, even Christians in the church, including those in ministry positions. The fact that the book was inspired by my experience as a ministry wife and mom of a prodigal child brings another layer of emotion and depth to the story.

Those who love strong spiritual content will especially appreciate the characters’ faith journey as they grow to lean more on the Lord in their trials and accept that He’s working in the hard places, even when it hurts.

Redemption, forgiveness, and a God Who can heal every wounded heart and relationship is another theme in Stronger than the Storm, and what’s not to love about that?

CC: Definitely! Those are all things to savor in a story.

Who was your favorite character to write? Your least favorite?

DEENA: I absolutely adore Leesa’s friend, Jackson. Since I don’t outline before I write a book, he was a surprise character who showed up, and he’s the kind of young man every mother would love for her daughter to bring home. He’s sweet, godly, respectful, and an all-around great guy. I also had fun writing Meddling Mitzi, the church gossip.

My least favorite to write was Isaac, Leesa’s so-called boyfriend. The polar opposite of Jackson, he’s a guy no mother ever dreamed of for her child. It was difficult to write someone so icky, especially the scenes where he hurts Leesa.

I didn’t plan to have two men in Leesa’s life who would contrast one another so perfectly, but in hindsight, they are the perfect dichotomy to show how important it is to surround ourselves with people who point us to the Lord instead of those who pull us away.

CC: I love how, when writing, God will bring out details that just completely take the story to the next level.

What do you hope readers will take away from your story?

DEENA: With so many deep themes included in the story, there are multiple takeaways, but one I’ll mention here is for parents of prodigals. I hope they are encouraged to never give up on their child who has wandered away from God and from them. To keep praying, believing, and loving their prodigal until God brings them home.

CC: As my sons are either young adults or about to break into young adulthood, my heart feels this so much. Yes, sweet readers, don’t stop praying.

A Sweet Finish

CC: Unfortunately, it is time to wrap up our interview. I always love finishing with a fun question.

You are in the back of a police car on your way to jail. What did you do? and is anyone with you? 

DEENA: If I’m going to jail, it’s probably because I broke the rules and mentioned Jesus and my faith in a setting where it’s forbidden. I can think of several friends who would be in the police car with me, including Teresa, Traci, and Lynn to name a few.

CC: What a great reason to be in a police car!

That’s it for now. If you enjoyed getting to know Deena Adams and are curious about their book, I highly recommend you check out Stronger than the Storm. Before we clear the table and pack away the tea stuff, I have a question for you.

What aspect of Deena’s book intrigues you most?

Leave your comment below and join the teatime fun. Until next time, may your days be filled with good books and cups of tea (or your favorite beverage)!