The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck (and a giveaway!)

ByBecky Wade
241 Comments

I’m so pleased to introduce you today to romantic comedy author Bethany Turner! I had the pleasure of meeting Bethany at the Christian Fiction Reader’s Retreat, then spent time with her at the American Christian Fiction Writers conference.  She’s a delight!  Welcome, Bethany!  -Becky

Do you want to know my favorite part of writing romance? I should probably say it’s capturing that moment when someone realizes they’ll never be as happy as they could be unless they find a way to make that other person theirs, or maybe creating new ways for characters to deal with attraction and fight and make up. Nah. That’s all good, but my favorite part is experiencing the thrill of falling a little bit in love with my leading men as I map out a way for my heroines to do the same.

Prior to Ben Delaney in The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck, I think every leading man had been some version of Mr. Darcy. He’s always been my favorite man to read, and he has certainly become my favorite man to write. Of course not everyone is blatantly Darcy, but they usually exhibit at least some of the characteristics. There’s just something to be said for being the object of affection of a man who doesn’t love easily, but who loves one woman deeply and passionately–usually against his better judgment. And I love it when the guy is a little bit humorless at first. Grumpy, even. Doesn’t that make those first smiles, those first laughs a little more valuable? Especially when you know those smiles and laughs are reserved for that one woman who managed to break through the heavily-fortified surface.

Mr. Darcy told Elizabeth his temper “would perhaps be called resentful.” Mr. Bates from Downton Abbey explained to Anna, “Your husband is a brooder. And brooders brood.” And yet Lizzie and Anna were invited inside, as I was by my husband who has continually told me he doesn’t need other people in his life, and yet has lived life by my side for more than sixteen years.

I love writing Darcy. So imagine my surprise when Ben Delaney was born to be something closer to a Bingley. Oh, sure, he carries around some Darcyesque baggage, but he’s kind and warm and inviting. He fights hard for love, but unlike the Darcys of the world, his opponents in the fight aren’t the very characteristics which make him so irresistible.

But Ben Delaney is irresistible, nonetheless.

Who knew? Who knew that I could find someone who is so instantly endearing and who doesn’t make you work and wait to see how wonderful he is to be so…yum? (Yes. Yum.)

And because he was so yum, it was possible to see through the moments when his temper was a tad resentful, and it made it a pleasure to see how cute he was when he indulged in an uncharacteristic moment of brooding. As I wrote, I still fell a little bit in love with my leading man as I mapped out a way for my heroine to do the same. For Ben Delaney, both Sarah Hollenbeck and I fell fast and hard.

And I was pleasantly surprised to discover the thrill remained the same.

Thanks so much to everyone who commented on this post and, in the process, entered to win the giveaway below.

Congratulations to the winners!

Callie won the prize pack.

Staci won a copy of The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck.

Jcp won a copy of The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck.  ENJOY!

Bethany is a born and bred Kentucky girl who relocated to Colorado in 2001, three years after meeting the love of her life in a chat room, back before anyone knew that wasn’t always a good idea. Thankfully, it worked out in this case, and she and her husband are the proud parents of two boys. In 2014 Bethany walked away from her career as a bank vice president to step out in faith as a writer. Since then, God has not only opened doors in the publishing world, but has also called her to full-time ministry serving on a church staff. She is an innovative systems administrator for a rural church that is passionate about reaching the unchurched.

Bethany’s Web Site

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In her post, Bethany talked about hero types.  What is your personal favorite type of hero?

 

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Becky makes her home in Dallas, Texas with her husband and three children. She absolutely loves writing funny, heartwarming, and inspirational contemporary Christian romance.

241 Comments

  1. This book sounds like its right up my alley. A funny book with a broody hero. Ben sounds pretty yummy. I seem to love the broody hero type like Mr. Darcy. I married one 33 years ago. He is still broody and yummy to me. Lol!! Thanks for the interview.

  5. I, too, am drawn to the Mr. Darcy type. But I also loved Mr. Knightly in the book, Emma. He was mature, kind and compassionate.
    I haven’t read any of Bethany’s books and would love to win one! Thanks for the opportunity!

  10. My favorite type of hero is a Christian man full of integrity, kindness, and fun. I am so blessed that God brought me one of those!

  12. My favorite type of hero is someone like my husband who is unselfish and so giving that you can’t help but admire them. He help take care of, nurtured and loved my Mom through cancer and Alzheimer while using all of his leave time when necessary, staying up nights most nights, doing chores and things that most men would never do all the while working full time. When it became too much for me physically with my medical problems, he took early retirement to lessen my load. He never felt he was put out or inconvenienced but did it out of love for “his” Mom.
    This man is more of a hero than men that leap tall buildings or run faster than trains. His super power is his love for mankind! 🙂

    1. What a fun contest and it’s always a good day when I am introduced to a “new to me” author! 🙂

  13. I love this blog post. The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck is immediately going to the top of my to-read list! I love both the quotes from this blog post! I am already swooning at Ben Delaney. 🙂
    What is my favorite type of hero? I personally like the Mr. Darcy/Mr. Thornton type. (Who wouldn’t?!)

  14. I just realized there was a question at the end of the blog post. It was too light to see at first. My son is currently serving in the United States Air Force. His reason for signing up was so he could help others. I love this about him and even though he didn’t get his first pick for career field, he still gives it his all. The men and women serving our country in all branches of the military are my heroes. The really do sacrifice so much for all of us.

  16. My favorite hero does not “know” how great he is. He is just doing what seems right or required at the time. He is honest, humble, has a sparkle of humor in his eyes, and, hopefully, has some basic good looks. But most importantly he has a heart for God and for people.

  18. Fav hero type: Inner mush, outer stoic. But Ben was a delight. Sarah, however, hooked me from the first page. The humor and real-life, plus clean but “fanning my face” romantic scenes makes me happy to share this book with all my friends. But I’d love my own paper copy first!

  20. Well I’d have to say the hero’s and heroines that have gone to Texas and Florida and Puerto Rico in the wake of the recent hurricanes that have wreaked destruction and torn down communities . My daughter recently went to Texas as a Red Cross nurse to help with the wounded and spent 9 days there. There was a severe shortage of nurses there and she worked a 26 hour shift until she was relieved by another nurse and then took 3 hours sleep and back to work again. The need is so great there that anything you can do to help feels like a drop in the bucket.
    I have another friend who volunteers as a Southern Baptist worker to prepare food for the victims who now are homeless without a roof over their head or food. They have lost everything. My friend has a bad back , but without thought to herself she will stand and help prepare food and do whatever is needed . These ladies and others like them have risen to the occasion and put their own needs aside to help those in need. They truly are heroines in my opinion.

  21. My favorite hero is one who is strong with compassion. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  22. I LOVE this book!! And reading anything on Bethany Turner! And seriously… Piper needs a story… 😉

    1. A hero to me is someone who sticks through it all with a calm and steady “just there for you” attitude.

  26. My favorite type of hero to read is someone who is real. He doesn’t have to be an *actual* real person, but I looooove reading heroes who make it hard to believe that they *aren’t* real people. And I have to say that while I love Mr Darcy, I personally would let you all fight over him if I can have Mr Tilney. Any day. 🙂

  27. Sounds like a book I would love to read! I need to add it to my TBR list as well as the authors name.

  28. This book looks amazing!!

    I have to say that Becky’s Porter Men are great hero types in my opinion.

  29. I just finished this book and la-la-la-LOVED it!! I literally laughed with every turn of the page….which was a little surprising due to the ‘touchy’ subject matter, but the author pulled it off seamlessly. I would have never thought this was Mrs. Turner’s debut novel as it was written perfectly and Ben Delaney was the perfect hero. He was a pastor, but yet a man who struggled with temptations, anger and loneliness while raising his daughter on his own. He was honest about his feelings for Sarah from the beginning and wanted their relationship to be God-honoring no matter what.

    No need to enter me in the contest, as I already have the book tucked away on my shelf. Just wanted to stop by and gush over how great it was. Also, seeing a certain someone in her acting debut on Sarah’s book videos made me smile. Pointing at you, Becky Wade!!!

    2. Aww, Amy…you’re awesome! Thanks! And weren’t all of the lovely ladies in those videos just phenomenal? I’m still blown away by how fantastic they were. And, you know…just how fantastic they are in general!

  30. I guess I like the dashing head over heels kind of guy even when the gal is reluctant. Not sure that type fits in a box, LOL. Thank you for the review & giveaway opportunity.

  31. Oh this sounds so good! I think my favorite heros are the true ones – strength of character, integrity, strong physically, handsome (of course), flawed (can’t be too perfect), caring and honorable. Hmmm. The list could go on … Congratulations!

  32. I like heros who are “real”, and steady and loyal in their commitment. I also love a good rescue scene! Thanks for the chance to win! It looks like a wonderful book!

  34. This sounds like a wonderful book. My hero? Psalm 37 describes him. The steps of a good man are established by the Lord and he delights in his way…..
    All day long he is gracious and lends; his descendants are a blessing.
    My FIL was a good man and my husband followed in his footsteps. An honest man, a man of integrity who is caring and compassionate. I hope they are not only in fiction books.

  35. I’ve been seeing this book around on the book blogs and am intrigued by it. I read Bethany’s post about Ben with a smile on my face. I can hardly wait to meet him! It is fun to read about an author falling in love with her hero as she writes; after all, isn’t that what we readers do? To me, that is one of the primary benefits of reading romance.

    1. Exactly, Pam! If I didn’t fall a bit in love with my heroes, I’m not sure what the point would be. 🙂 I’m excited for you to meet Ben! (And Sarah, of course.)

  36. All of the Austen leading men are great in their own way. I appreciate honesty, empathy, compassion and a strong depth of character.

  39. Sounds like a fun read! I tend to lean towards the strong, rugged, honest type with a dry sense of humor and keen insights.

  41. There are two hero types in my mind–the fictional type, and the real, husband-type.

    Fictional, I can be persuaded towards a number of types, though I especially love the the Scarlet Pimpernel, who shows the world his very Bingley-personality yet when on missions is daring, chivalrous, brilliant master of spycraft. But winning the heart of Mr Darcy would be the coup of a century.

    In a husband, however, I much prefer the Bingley type. My anxiety levels (and irritation) skyrocket when my husband broods–thank goodness it’s a rare event for him. A year with Mr Darcy would probably lead me to a lifetime of anxiety and blood pressure meds.

  42. I’ve always been attracted to Christian, you might say “blue collar” men, whose strength is evident in the results of their labors and in how they treat others. Everything they do and say is in glory to God. I never met such a man (are my standards too high?), but I am very happy for those gals who have.

  43. The book sounds very interesting! I love Mr Darcy also!!! Would love to win this book!!!

  44. I love a hero with a sense of humor, honest, faithful and protective. I married mine 20 years ago. 😁

    Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of this fun sounding book.

    Stephanie C.

  45. I think I go more for the Bingleys 🙂 I remember the first time I read Pride & Prejudice, I didn’t understand Darcy AT ALL!

    1. I’m not sure I fully understood Mr. Darcy the first time either, Margaret, so I understand that. But then Colin Firth came along. I ALWAYS understand Colin Firth. 😉

  46. I am just crazy about every day heroes…people who go above and beyond as they go about their daily life. Some heroes let their egos take over and that’s not even a little attractive, but someone who can rescue someone from a burning building and then go out to breakfast? That’s my hero! And as I read what I wrote, I also realized, that’s my dad!

  47. My hero? I’m married to him! He is a dedicated Christ-follower, a faithful husband, an excellent dad and a man of integrity. I’m very blessed!

    Book sounds intriguing and would love to win, as I am a church librarian!

  48. My hero is a man that lives and loves Jesus, loves his family and works hard! This book sounds great! I’d love to win!

  52. My personal type of hero is a person like Charlie Lionheart. (I just finished The Lady & The Lionheart.) This type of hero sacrifices greatly for those he loves. Broken, yet strong. Thank you so much for the chance to win. I love to discover new authors. This book sounds wonderful!

  55. I like everyday heroes. People who step out of their comfort zone to help one another. Like what happened in Las Vegas. There didn’t appear to be any division among them. Just ordinary people responding to a crisis with extraordinary abilities to do whatever they could to help those injured.

  56. I like Darcy-esque heroes in books, but have found they don’t work for me in real life. I prefer men with a twinkle in their eye, a ready laugh and easy nature.

  57. Excited to read this one soon. I’m a sucker for romance, and if you can write a romantic Christian comedy book- shoo… how can you go wrong? Thankful for an author who is writing a wholesome book I can read and share with my friends. Thanks Bethany.

  58. For a fictional hero, I like a tough guy exterior but with a soft inside-with loyalty, compassion, strength of character and faith. I keep hearing about this book and look forward to reading it.

  59. I enjoyed the humor in that scene. I like someone with a sense of humor and tall, dark and handsome helps. 😉 Thanks for the opportunity. I also enjoyed reading about how God has worked in your life as you changed directions to write.

  63. I will be adding this book to my “To Read” list. I love finding new authors through the authors I already love!

  64. The book sounds fabulous and I’ve heard so many great things about it already. Thanks for the post and the giveaway!

  65. I like the quiet strong type. Gentlemen, cowboys, military.. Darcy is perfect example!
    on my wanted list 🙂

  68. My type of hero is a godly man, kind, sweet, gentleman, loyal, and faithful.Thanks for the chance to win.

  69. If only I knew about this book before CFRR…I met Bethany briefly as she was leaving the room for lunch. I might have grabbed her and talked to her about her characters. Okay, maybe only in my mind, I am a bit shy but still, I feel the missed opportunity. I want to read this book so much! Sadly, I am currently lacking book funds.
    I like all kinds of book heroes except for perfect ones. I feel that any hero needs to have a flaw of some sort.

    1. Oh, Andrea! I wish we had talked more! Well, next time we’re in the same place at the same time, if I’m at all aware, I’ll be sure to grab YOU…so don’t worry about being shy. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and for your comments!

  70. This sounds like such a great book! I would LOVE to win this fun giveaway and try a new author. I’m a new mom so I’m always looking for wonderful books to read to help me relax and unwind after super busy days.

  73. always the bad boy, I married him! 37 years and no regrets – super fun give away for Friday the 13th

  74. The hero to me is someone strong yet quiet, they are compassionate and kind hearted but it isn’t always evident at first. Also, someone who is always willing to step in and help if needed.

  75. My favorite type of hero would be someone who would never give up on the girl, no matter what. Thanks for the giveaway!

  77. I loved this book! If you haven’t read it yet, you’re missing out on some hilarious, funny-bone-tickling, heart-stirring, romantic reading! I’m so glad I could meet you in person at CFRR, Bethany. I wish we could have had more time to chat. Hugs to you, sweet friend, and congratulations on your amazing debut. You had so many creative and unique ways of promoting it. I loved the fun videos!

    Thanks, Becky, for spotlighting Bethany and her book. I love your books, too, and can hardly wait for the next one! It was fun meeting you at CFRR and getting to chat a bit. Hugs!

    1. Oh, Winnie! YAY! Thanks so much for stopping by, and though I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again…I’m so glad you enjoyed the book! And it was a complete and utter joy to meet you in person in Cincinnati, sweet friend. You have been such a kind and encouraging supporter, and I am so blessed to know you. 🙂

  78. I’ve been hearing lovely things about this book. My hero would be someone with Christian values and strong but compassionate. Considerate and faithful and have a great work ethic.

  79. Hmmm…usually if I think hero, I think of someone who is Christian, and who uses their faith in times of trouble to help others or even themself. I do like it when during a book, there is someone who has some sort of journey to strengthen or find their faith. It is always reassuring to see others work through their problems, even if the people are fictional! 🙂

  81. My daughter and her husband met in a chat room. And I am a Texas gal. How ironic, lol. Yes, Mr.Darcy is tall, dark, and mysterious. How can I not like that?

    1. Thanks for your comments, Dawn! I always say I wouldn’t necessarily RECOMMEND meeting your spouse that way, but in certain situations it works out pretty well. At least, I can’t complain! 😉

  83. I have been blessed to be introduced to some new authors in recent months, and I would love to add another. I would be “tickled pink” to win a copy of this book. It sounds like a fun read. Thanks.

  84. I used to like the strong, silent type and that has changed. My favorite hero is the one who loves God, is humble about his failing, fiercely devoted to those he loves and is willing to change the world one step at a time. And he must have a sense of humor.

  85. My favorite hero is a quiet man with integrity, has a sense of humor and loves the woman in his life wholeheartedly and with singular devotion and passion.

  86. I don’t have a favorite hero type in books, as I live with my hero. He’s called my husband. 💕

    1. This book sounds delightful!! I would love to win since I have not read anything by Bethany Turner yet. Thanks for the give-away!!

  89. My hero type is a Mr.Darcy type, too lol. This sounds like very much my type of book. Thank you very much for the chance.

  90. The hero should be a good man and a Jesus loving man. It would be nice if he had a beard too!😀

  92. I really enjoy any and all Pride and Prejudice type books. Mr. Darcy is one of my favorite characters cause I myself don’t like to be around people that much either.
    Your book sounds like allot of fun!

    jennydtipton at gmail dot com

  93. I go for the shy, sort of quiet type. God fearing, children loving, romantic with a great sense of humor!

  95. This book sounds so good, and your videos were great! For literary heros I like Captain Wentworth (he writes a great letter) and Mr. Knightly. I just met Bear McKinley, he was awesome, and am looking forward to meeting Ben. I enjoyed chatting with you (Bethany) in the line at CFRR and have been anticipating this book every since!

    1. Hi, Linda! Thank you! It was great to chat with you in Cincinnati, and you are so kind to keep the book in mind. And I must say…I can’t wait for you to meet Ben! Hope you love him as much as I do! 🙂

  96. My favorite kind of hero is the everyday hero. The person who is there when you need them, they may just make you smile on a bad day or the shoulder you need to cry on.

  97. My hero is someone who can get something done when it needs to be taken care of and one who is present when I need him (or her!)

  98. A hero type is someone who is following their life’s passion in a manner that intentionally helps others along the way and who lives out that purpose with a sense of humor, trustworthiness and steadfastness.

  99. Tall, dark and yummy! Who can resist it?!
    I’m just a sucker for heroes. When they are well written, I find myself falling for some of the nerdy ones too. The underdogs if you will.

    Regardless of winning or not, I will be getting this book! It looks so stinkin’ cute I literally like can’t even. 😉

    Thank you for hosting the giveaway & for being with us on the blog!

    2. I’m glad you sometimes like the nerdy ones, Alysha. Sarah regularly calls Ben a nerd, in fact. 😉 But I must say…he’s a pretty dreamy nerd. Thanks for your awesome comments! I really appreciate your support and encouragement. Good luck!

  100. this sounds like a wonderfully entertaining book. I love books that make me smile and laugh out loud

  101. First of all, my hero is a Christian! Then caring, loving, helpful,masculine, outdoorsman

  102. wow.. I am always on the lookout for great books and I have read some of this authors books. Great giveaway.

  103. My favorite heroes in the literary world are Mr. Darcy and Gilbert Blythe. Generally, I love heroes who are good-humored, kindhearted and charming. Someone who is capable of both gentleness and strength, steadfast, and is capable of sacrificial love. Thanks for the giveaway!

  104. I definitely like the Mr. Darcy-type, too! I like a man of integrity, one with a (dry?) sense of humor, one who is not perfect but IS serious about moral purity, one who is honest to a fault, one who is compassionate, etc! I like most of the heroes that many of my faves have written… the Porters, the Walkers, Charlie Lionheart, Dee Henderson’s Bishop brothers, and I could go on! Looking forward to reading this book!! Thanks for the giveaway!

  105. This sounds like such a good book! My favorite hero is kind and sweet but will stick up for his lady when needed!

  106. I like Mr. Darcy’s character but there is something very attractive about Mr. Bingley too. My husband is more of a Mr. Bingley in that he’s mild tempered, kind and funny. He is also extremely dependable even in bad circumstances. The best thing though is that he is a Christian! I guess he’s my real life hero!

  107. I would say my perfect hero is one who takes care of his leading lady no matter what!

  108. I’ve always been partial to Mr. Darcy as well. I enjoy reading books with a hero who has a strong, Christian character and does romantic things for his lady. And if he can make her laugh, even better! My husband does that for me.

  109. So I’ve seen this book around recently and the premise sounds so intriguing! A definite must-read in my book (pun intended)!

    My hero is my husband…caring, funny, loving, respectful, will fight for me, a true gentlemen 🙂 I know he would do anything for me to make me happy. That goes two ways as well…I love spoiling him as much as he does me 🙂

    Thanks for the giveaway chance!

  110. I’m adding this book to my reading list now 🙂 I’m partial to the Darcy type hero. Made of substance and strength but by no means perfect.

  111. My favorite hero type? The kind that are down-to-earth, normal types, no big egos that will be there to support you when you need it and not smother you.

  113. I definitely prefer Darcy-like heroes. My husband of 31.5 years has a lot Mr. Darcy in him- deep abiding love and a strong person. This does sound like a good book that I would love to own and read.

  114. My favorite type of hero is one who has a sense of humor. Instead of the heroine being the one to make him laugh, she is the one who gets to see the serious side as well as the funny side. I can’t wait to read Ben and Sarah’s story!

  117. When they have a sense of humor. But they also have some issues and open up to her, talk to her about them. He can protect her but he’s not vain or proud about his abilities.

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