Sit Down with Author Laura Thomas

Kristen here. I'm delighted to welcome back my friend and author Laura Thomas to talk about her latest release, The Final Word. She's giving away one paperback copy of the book, so keep reading to the end to learn how to enter the giveaway.

How did you start writing? 

I really have my husband to thank for my writing career! I had buried my secret dream to be a children’s author for twenty-five years, and then over a skinny caramel macchiato one evening, I shared it with him, and he encouraged me to just do it. Start writing. So, with no experience or qualifications, I took some courses with the Institute of Children’s Literature in the hope of being the next Beatrix Potter. After I had a few children’s stories published in magazines, I ventured into writing for teens (a Christian fiction trilogy), middle-grade, and then Christian romantic suspense. Apparently, God had a very different non-Beatrix-Potter path for me to take! 

I love how God's paths are different and better than what we imagined! Why did you decide to write romantic suspense?

The simple answer is because I loved to read it. I devoured anything written by the likes of Colleen Coble, Dee Henderson, and Terri Blackstock back in the day. When I realized my third teen fiction book had a suspenseful element that I really enjoyed writing, I decided to attempt a book for “grown-ups.” The blend of hope-filled faith, a sweet love story, and page-turning suspense is challenging yet so rewarding to write—and The Final Word is now my seventh published book in this genre!

Congratulations on your seventh romantic suspense book! How long does it usually take you to write a novel?

I’m definitely driven by deadlines, and it also depends on other writing projects I’m working on, so it varies from book to book. I did write one Christmas novella in a month (that was crazy!), but a novel can take six months or more, especially if I need to time it with my critique partner or if real-life events happen! 

Am I correct that you have an English background? Did your own history help shape this story, which takes place mostly around a setting called Bramble Cottage in England?

Yes, I actually emigrated from the UK to Canada in my mid-twenties, and all my family still live in jolly old England so I visit frequently. My inspiration for Book 1 happened when I was staying with my sister in her charming countryside village, and I based Bramble Cottage on a pink cottage we came across in her neighborhood—it was absolutely adorable with its thatched roof and rose trellises (and perfect for some suspenseful shenanigans!) We actually got to meet the cottage owner just a couple of months ago when I presented her with a copy of Captured in Frame (Book 1) … it was such a special moment! Researching The Final Word, I also took my husband to several locations in the area including Bath, my favorite city in England, and the St. George Inn, a nearby historic 14th-century pub nestled amidst patchwork fields where we re-enacted Sophie and Miles’ first date! 

What a fun research outing for you! Who is your favorite character in the story and why?

The protagonist, Sophie Brooks, has to be my favorite character in The Final Word because we share so many interests and passions in life: writing, baking, all things Paris, books, England… and perhaps we also share the struggle of surrendering all things to God. They say “write what you know”!

I relate to that. What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on revisions for Book 3 in this Bite of Betrayal series: Ribbons of Guilt. Think ballet, murder, dreams, kidnapping, secrets, blackmail, and second chances—all happening in our idyllic English setting! This one releases June 2026… 

Sign me up! Where can your readers find you online?

The best place to find all my books, writing coaching, blog, social links, and to sign up for my monthly newsletter (hello book giveaways!) is over at my website: www.laurathomasauthor.com 

Thank you, Laura, for sharing your time and story with us! Keep reading to learn more about Laura and how to enter to win a copy of The Final Word. 

A published, award-winning Christian author, Laura writes heartwarming encouragement for your soul—especially in her numerous romantic suspense novels, Christmas novellas, teen fiction and children’s books, as well as her non-fiction writing. 

Laura is a hope*writers certified writing coach, a book-loving chocoholic mom and nanny, and is married to her high school sweetheart. Originally from the UK, they now live the empty nest life in Kelowna, British Columbia, with their French bulldog!    

Now, here's more about The Final Word.

When aspiring author Sophie Brooks chooses to trade a vibrant Paris life for the tranquility of a quaint English village, she imagines her final days in the City of Lights will be magical. Sophie doesn’t anticipate a chilling encounter with an old flame—nor does she plan to find a new love on her very last night.

Miles Morgan’s life has been defined as a successful opera singer-until now. His chance encounter with Sophie in Paris ignites renewed hope … if he can figure out his next chapter and if she can accept what his future may hold.

In the heart of the English countryside, Sophie and Miles’ fairy tale romance turns into a noxious nightmare as the darkness of Sophie’s past—and her volatile ex—catch up with her. Both Sophie and Miles must surrender everything to the One they thought had betrayed them as they lean into love and fight for their lives.

Learn more: https://laurathomasauthor.com/project/the-final-word/

Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Final-Word-Bite-Betrayal/dp/1953957579/

For a chance to win one paperback copy of The Final Word, leave a comment answering this question: What setting have you enjoyed discovering in a novel, or what setting would you like to read about? Be sure to include your email address in your comment. I'll announce the winner on the blog later next week.

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Congratulations to becca12901 for winning the giveaway! Laura will be in touch with you about your copy of the book. Thank you to everyone who participated!