I’ve been following Katie Ganshert’s literary career since I fell in love with her debut novel, Wishing on Willows, and have adored each and every one of her exceptional novels and novellas. That said, there is something extra special about her new release, No One Ever Asked, and I was honoured to endorse this powerful story. Celebrating release day for No One Ever Asked, I’m delighted to feature Katie, her book, and be giving away a copy, thanks to the generosity of Waterbrook Multnomah. Be sure to enter via the Rafflecopter form below.
Enjoy getting to know Katie a little more and add this book to your wishlists and shopping carts!
*****
The Writer
Why do you tell stories?
Because it’s a really fun way for me to make sense of the world around me and explore humanity, life, and faith.
Your favourite place to read
On the couch in my living room, in front of a crackling fire.
Best meal of the day
Lunch, because my kids are both in school at that time and I get to eat in blissful peace.
Most beloved childhood book
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
If your life was a TV show, what would it be?
Parenthood. Maybe. I basically just want to be a part of the Braverman family.
Whose music inspires you?
Amanda Cook
What ice-cream flavour would you be?
Salted caramel … a little salty, a little sweet.
The most recent novel you read
Her One and Only by Becky Wade
What’s your current book recommendation?
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Name a book character you can’t forget
Starr from The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Dream travel destination
Usually I’d say somewhere in Europe, because I’ve never been. I’d love to see Italy or Ireland. But my current mood says Hawaii. I could use a beautiful beach, the ocean, the hot sun, and all the books.
The Book
Challenging perceptions of discrimination and prejudice, this emotionally resonant drama for readers of Lisa Wingate and Jodi Picoult explores three different women navigating challenges in a changing school district–and in their lives.
When an impoverished school district loses its accreditation and the affluent community of Crystal Ridge has no choice but to open their school doors, the lives of three very different women converge: Camille Gray–the wife of an executive, mother of three, long-standing PTA chairwoman and champion fundraiser–faced with a shocking discovery that threatens to tear her picture-perfect world apart at the seams. Jen Covington, the career nurse whose long, painful journey to motherhood finally resulted in adoption but she is struggling with a happily-ever-after so much harder than she anticipated. Twenty-two-year-old Anaya Jones–the first woman in her family to graduate college and a brand new teacher at Crystal Ridge’s top elementary school, unprepared for the powder-keg situation she’s stepped into. Tensions rise within and without, culminating in an unforeseen event that impacts them all.
This story explores the implicit biases impacting American society, and asks the ultimate question: What does it mean to be human? Why are we so quick to put labels on each other and categorize people as “this” or “that”, when such complexity exists in each person?
What was the working title?
Until Then
Describe your book in 5 adjectives
I’m always horrible at this, so I cheat and use words other people are using to describe the book. Timely. Eye-opening. Nuanced. Transformative. Challenging.
Which character did you enjoy writing most?
Camille’s youngest daughter, Paige.
Which character gave you the most grief?
Jen
What emotions do you think your story will generate in readers?
Empathy and conviction. At least, these are the two emotions I hope the story will generate.
What emotions did you experience while writing this story?
Angst. Confidence. Uncertainty. Euphoria. Despair. Joy. Sadness. Passion. The writing life is many things, but mundane isn’t one of them!
How do you choose your characters names?
Sometimes they come easily. They come with the character like a packaged deal. Other times, I have to scour name sights online and find one that could work. In these occasions, the character slowly grows into his or her name. Or, the name gets changed after the first draft because it just doesn’t fit.
Thanks Katie!
KATIE GANSHERT is the award-winning author of Life After, several additional acclaimed novels, and multiple short stories. She lives in Iowa with her family.
Relz Reviewz Extras
All Things Ganshert @ Relz Reviewz
Visit Katie’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: No One Ever Asked or Koorong
April 4, 2018 at 12:17 am
Thank you so much for having me, Rel! And for all of your support!
April 4, 2018 at 2:49 am
Thank you for this giveaway opportunity! A book that has changed my perspective on many fronts is . . . Home: How Heaven & the New Earth Satisfy Our Deepest Longings by Elyse Fitzpatrick. I highly recommend!
~Jessica
April 4, 2018 at 7:07 am
I love Katie’s writing. She’s an amazingly talented author. I’ve had my eye on this book since I first heard about it.
A couple of months ago I read the book Be the Hands and Feet: Living Out God’s Love for All His Children by Nick Vujicic. I was so amazed at all he has done and can do, although he was born without limbs. He’s such an inspiration.
April 11, 2018 at 3:12 am
Agree, Winnie. Very inspiring. He’s on my “heroes” list! 🙂
April 4, 2018 at 10:03 am
Daring to Hope: Finding God’s Goodness in the Broken and the Beautiful by Katie Davis Majors gave me some fresh perspectives on life in general. It didn’t really change my views, but it reinforced them.
Looking forward to reading this book.
April 4, 2018 at 10:54 am
A Fragile Hope by Cynthia Ruchti is quite thought-provoking for issues like faith, hope, love, and forgiveness.
I’ve read several of Katie’s books and always enjoy them. She tackles some difficult issues. I’m looking forward to reading No One Ever Asked.
April 4, 2018 at 12:35 pm
Not entering the giveaway because I’ve already had a chance to read this book. It’s so powerful – definitely got me thinking!
April 4, 2018 at 12:50 pm
Would love to have a chance at the giveaway!!
April 4, 2018 at 2:06 pm
Thanks for the giveaway and I enjoyed reading the the Q&A!
April 4, 2018 at 6:38 pm
The Bible always gives me a new perspective every time I read it.
April 4, 2018 at 9:51 pm
Look forward to reading this one!
The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers altered my view.
April 4, 2018 at 9:53 pm
Recently, The Whiskey Sea has been haunting me because the wonderful, strong protagonist made decisions that deeply influenced in her life in both positive and negative ways. And the sadness there bites deep and makes me wonder how she hurt herself. Based on those wonderings, I imagine that we each have such moments where we choose a hurtful path rather than a more goodly one.
Gosh. I feel crazy in that rambling. But this character is just sticking with me and making me think still!
April 4, 2018 at 10:06 pm
Katie, you are one of my favorite authors. I “stumbled” upon Willows and was hooked on your writing, thoroughly enjoying the depth of your characters and their journies. My family has also poured through The Gifting series. I often pre-order your new books, look at the book for several days, then choose to begin at just the right time. Thank you for writing! 🙂
April 5, 2018 at 3:42 am
I think Dances with Wolves changed the way I thought about the Native Americans and the conflicts they endured with the white man.
April 5, 2018 at 3:43 am
To Kill A Mockingbird is always one that changes my thinking.
April 5, 2018 at 6:08 am
I can’t really think of a book or movie that has left that great of an impression on me. I’ll probably think of one after I post this.
April 5, 2018 at 6:34 am
I recently read Katie’s book “Life After”. I really impacted me and my perspective on life. I would love to receive a copy of her new book.
April 7, 2018 at 1:09 am
Facing the Giants was a great faith-filled, sports movie that revealed some many truths about God, life and our hearts that it became one of my instant favorites.
For books, the Bible is always eye-opening and transformative.
April 9, 2018 at 1:17 pm
The Bible has definitely changed my life! Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!
faithdcreech at gmail dot com
April 9, 2018 at 4:32 pm
I tend to be very fundamental when it comes to my beliefs or stances. It’s hard to sway my mind to a different way of thinking unless it aligns with Biblical truths that I was previously wrong about.
April 10, 2018 at 10:43 am
I recently watched Hidden Figures. I was unaware of the roles these ladies had in our space program.
April 11, 2018 at 3:10 am
Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life and John & Stasi Eldredge’s Captivating were powerful books to me. Recently watched Braveheart ~ and that movie is shaking up some thoughts, though I don’t know where they’ll end up! I’m looking forward to reading No One Ever Asked. Thanks for the interview, Rel. And the giveaway.
April 11, 2018 at 11:28 am
Redeeming Love. Understanding more of what it means to love and forgive and why someone might run from grace.
April 11, 2018 at 11:31 am
Back when I was in grad school, I took a class on Slavery in American from 1619-1800, and that class changed my views on so many things.