Is it too late for second chances?

That’s the question this month’s featured author, Becca Kinzer, asks in her latest book, First Love, Second Chances. I’m so excited to interview Becca. I’ve been watching her writing career since her debut novel, Dear Henry, Love Edith–which won a 2024 Carol Award. This newest book releases April 15th, but thanks to Tyndale Publishing, I was given an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC).

Becca lives in Springfield, Illinois–woo-hoo, another Illinoisian–where she works as a critical care nurse. When she’s not busy taking care of sick patients or using up all the storage on her phone with pictures of her dog, she enjoys making up lighthearted stories with serious laughs. First Love, Second Draft is her third novel.

So, what is this latest novel about?

She’s a romance writer burned out on love. He’s her famous baseball star ex-husband. The last man she wants to be forced to work with is the one who broke her heart.

Rom-com writer Gracie Parker hasn’t written a bestseller since she and her husband, a major league baseball star, divorced five years ago. On thin ice with her publisher—and with a looming deadline—Gracie couldn’t have picked a worse time for a painful injury that has her flat on her back. At this point, she’d accept help from anybody . . . except her first love and ex-husband, Noah Parker.

My thoughts on First Love, Second Draft?

Becca and Cool Bonnie

Becca’s third book is a bit different than her first two. Yes, it’s funny with laugh-out-loud moments. However, she digs deeper into some important themes for us a believers and followers of Jesus. Second chances–giving them and receiving them–but also, forgiveness. Because as I’ve come to understand, forgiveness–giving and receiving–are essential to second chances.

I challenge you, my dear reader, to not only be entertained by this story, but seek the meta-message God might have for you, too. See my review on My February Top Picks episode.

So, let’s get to know Becca a little more. What did you read as a child?

I loved reading Roald Dahl books. My favorite was Danny the Champion of the World. I also absolutely loved the Mandie books by Lois Gladys Leppard. I thought they were so fun and adventurous.

Which of your characters has really stretched you as a writer?

Gracie, the heroine in First Love, Second Draft, has stretched me the most so far. It took several drafts to smooth out some of her edges while making sure her emotional wounds still felt valid and real. I love both Noah and Gracie, but for some reason Noah was a much easier character to make likeable on the page right from the start, whereas Gracie took some real work.

What is a question no one has asked you about First Love, Second Draft and you wish they would? Why?

I’d love for someone to ask me how I feel about the title of this book. Why? Because I love the title, and I’m kind of annoyed at how much I love it. Why? Because I thought I had come up with a really great title for this story—Rain Delayed Love. And then my publisher suggested First Love, Second Draft and I immediately knew that was the one. Fun fact though, I did get to work Rain Delayed Love into the story.

Unequivocally, I LOVE the title. Well done, Tyndale!

How about a GREAT giveaway from Becca?

The March’s A2A Giveaway!

Yes! Thanks to Becca and Tyndale Publishing, this month’s giveaway is a softcover copy of her latest release, First Love, Second Draft!

There’s one winner and it could be you! How? Well, by entering! Not just once, but up to SIX times!* Leave a comment below and share this blog and if you haven’t already, please subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of this blog and receive a free gift from me — and an extra entry.

NOTE: WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING THIS INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAY?*

Check out my YouTubeA2A interview with Becca. Because, in the video interview Becca answer different fun questions–and we have some great discussions! By Liking and Commenting on the video episode, you will have one more entry.* Sharing the video, another entry.* Subscribe, and you have TWO entries for a chance to win.* 

The Deadline is March 13th!

Watch our interview–

That means, my friends, if you comment and subscribe -– or are already a subscriber -– to my blog, then watch the video and LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT on the VIDEO, then Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, your name will be entered SIX TIMES!*

Next month: Award-winning and bestselling author, and dear friend, Cathy Gohlke.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed getting to know Becca–I sure did! Until April, God bless and KEEP READING!

*So sorry, entries from the contiguous US only.