People are more than the sum of their mistakes.

After a life lived in her older brother’s shadow, Abby Solomon is ready to take on the world—or at least a teaching position that puts her face to face with the one guy who thinks she’s nothing more than an immature nuisance.

When his daughter’s mother abandoned them, Christian Johnson swore off women and the trouble they bring. No wife—no drama. Just how he likes it. But as Christian struggles to juggle his job as a cop with raising his daughter and tracking down a runaway teen, he’s forced to ask the one woman who reminds him of his wife for help.

Abby is thrilled with the opportunity to show Christian that there’s more to her than what he thinks. But just as Christian begins to trust Abby, she makes a colossal mistake that threatens to ruin everything.

She just wanted to be accepted.

He wanted to be left alone.

It’ll take a runaway teen to show them that love is not measured by a single mistake.

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Now for our interview with Abby.

CC: Hi Abby! For those who don’t know how amazing you are. Would you please introduce yourself and your role to my readers?

AS: Good morning! I’m Abby Solomon. Most people know me as Zeke’s baby sister, but I’m hoping my time on the island will help clear up any misconceptions about who I really am. I used to work as a librarian, but now I help teach at one of the homeschool co-ops the islands offer. I’m often called the sunshine girl because people rarely see me in a bad mood.

CC: It’s so hard to be only known as “Zeke’s baby sister” and not as your own person, and it can be really hard to get people to recognize that you are your own person. Is that something you struggle with?  

AS: Wow, now that’s a question that really strikes deep. Yes, my biggest struggle is getting out from under Zeke’s shadow. My brother’s a great guy, don’t get me wrong, but as his younger sister, everyone sees me as an extension of him. I want to be seen as my own person, with my own core values and beliefs. Which means that my greatest fear is being seen as an incompetent college kid with no future. I know I’m young, but that shouldn’t mean I automatically get labeled as either a troublemaker or someone who needs a few more years under my belt before I have anything to offer. Though, if you ask Christian, he’d say that’s exactly what I need. And I aim to prove him wrong. I have big dreams, and nothing can hold me back except myself.

CC: It’s so frustrating when people only see what they think they know instead of who you are and you’re potential. Instead of looking at what you struggle with, tell me. Do you have a dream that you keep close to your chest that you can share with us? Is there a specific reason why you want it?

AS: This is going to sound silly. I’m no superhero, but I’ve always dreamed of making a difference. You know? I worked hard for my degree in child education, and I plan on making every day count toward that dream. If I can make a difference in one child’s life, I feel like I’ll have really accomplished something wonderful. I guess I want it because it would set me apart. That sounds arrogant, doesn’t it? That’s not my intention. I don’t claim to be anything special, I just want to be the kind of teacher who kids know they can trust. I never want to let them down like I’ve been let down.

CC: Hugs. I believe that is the heart of many a teacher. I know know that is how I felt when I was in the classroom. I hope you are able to touch the lives of many students throughout your career.

So you mentioned Christian earlier. Is he a love interest? How would you describe him?

AS: Would you believe that Christian is both love interest and antagonist? It’s true. He’s the one I love, yet we’re constantly butting heads, and I don’t know if I’ll ever convince him that not everyone is out to make his life miserable. He does a good job of doing that all by himself. Mr. Grump wouldn’t see the sunshine if it popped up and threw glitter in his face. Oh man, but can you imagine the look of surprise? Probably shouldn’t do that. It would only perpetuate his impression that I’m a silly girl with nothing but glitter for brains. I have to give him credit, though. Christian loves his daughter. He’d do anything for her. His entire life revolves around keeping her safe and making sure she never experiences the sting of rejection like he did. I can’t say I blame him for judging me based on my age. He’s eight years older than me, and in his eyes, that’s an insurmountable obstacle. Even if he was willing to admit he’s attracted to me, he thinks I’m too young for him. But he’s a family man, through and through.

CC: He sounds like a good hero, but I can see where the challenges lay for you two. Since he’s a family man, do you enjoy family gatherings? 

AS: Our family gatherings were tense until a few years ago when Zeke and Dad finally hashed out their differences. I always loved when Zeke came home for a visit. Mom made a big deal out of it, and she’d turn it into a special occasion, probably to make up for Dad. I’d pester Zeke into telling me all about the islands, until I finally moved here for myself. Now that Zeke and Dad are finally on good speaking terms, family gatherings are like they used to be when we were kids. Lots of laughter and kidding around. Our parents love us unconditionally, and that’s one of life’s greatest blessings. To be loved for who you are.

CC: That is a true blessing. To wrap things up, if there were one thing you could tell the reader, what would it be? 

AS: Be yourself. God made you unique for a reason, and you should never discount who you are. You are loved, and you belong. Not everyone will appreciate your uniqueness, and that’s okay.

CC: That is a beautiful and important lesson to learn in life, but one that is so hard to really accept and live out. 

Readers, don’t miss your chance to see how Abby and Christian move from antagonism to love, and how a runaway teen was a key part of that happening. 

About Tabitha Bouldin:

Tabitha Bouldin has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has been writing since 2015. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, you’ll find her curled up with a book. Tabitha’s genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart.

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