Hello readers! Today, we meet a character with a problem. She seems to have a lot going for her, but in Mary Pat Johns’ new book Countin on Jesse, we learn that this young lady has quite a burden on her heart.
Let’s get right to it.
Jenny: Hello, Thanks for coming by today. Can you tell us your name and where you are from?
Brenna: Hi, I’m Brenna McKinley. I live in Valiant, a mid-sized city in South Texas. We have lazy winters, scorching summers, and not much in between. I grew up in Port Del Sol, a sleepy fishing village about 45 minutes away from Valiant.
Jenny: We’re happy to meet you. Can you tell us a little about your family and friends?
Brenna: Mm. My mom, dad, and brother still live in Port Del Sol, but I don’t see them much. My best friend was Matt, but he died when we were in high school. Moving on has been tough, but I’m slowly making new friends. I’m housemates with Vi and Paige. We live in Paige’s cozy bungalow in a part of town known as Old Valiant. Thunder, Vi’s foster dog, lives with us, and Ink just had a bunch of kittens.
Jenny: I’m so sorry about your friend. I’m glad you have friends who are helping you to move on. What’s happening in your life? What do you look forward to in the future?
Brenna: I’m the new accountant at People’s Gym, but everybody calls it Peeps. It’s the best workout place in Valiant. I’m helping Jesse, my boss, work toward accreditation. We need to come up with a city-wide event to fulfil a requirement. I’ve got an idea. Just waiting for the right time to talk to him about it. Jesse has a list of expansion plans as long as his arm. It’s awesome to be part of the Peeps’ family. Running is my hobby so I’m thrilled to have access to the indoor/outdoor tracks. If you haven’t already figured it out, I’m totally stoked about my job.
Jenny: Peep’s sounds like a great place to work. Have you met anyone interesting there? What intrigues you most about this person?
Brenna: I’m not sure what to think of Jesse, my boss. One minute, he’s rattling off a no-dating policy like it’s set in cement, then he calls me “darlin’” and winks. He wants me to take a self-defense class because of Leo, but he’s just a pest. He’ll come on strong for a while, then disappear for weeks. As handsome as Jesse is, you wouldn’t think he’d be such a worry-wart, but he is.
Jenny: Sounds like you’ve met two interesting characters. It might be a good thing that Jesse is worried about Leo. So, what is the major obstacle or annoyance in your life?
Brenna: Shortly after I started work at Peeps, a large unauthorized withdrawal appeared on the books. I didn’t tell Jesse at first, because I didn’t want him to think I’m incompetent. When I eventually did, he acted like he believed me, but I’m not sure. After all, the accountant is always the first suspect. We’ve made lists of ways to check, but I’m almost finished with them, and no closer to finding out who is responsible for the missing money. I get cold and sweaty when I think of what will happen next. I could lose my job and be charged with a crime. It’s surreal.
Jenny: That sounds like quite a dilemma. Do you draw on your faith in God to help you with problems like this?
Brenna: Back in high school, Matt accepted Jesus as his Savior. He talked about Him all the time, but I didn’t think I needed religion. When Matt died, though, I had nowhere to turn. Thank God, my roommate recognized my desperation and led me to Christ. At first, I wanted to go to heaven so I could see Matt again, but the more I learn about Jesus, the more I want to live for Him. He’s my everything. It helped when Paige and Vi introduced me to their group of close-knit church friends. We do life together, and that makes everything easier. Now I’m learning how to forgive. It’s difficult, but I’m determined to grow in my faith.
Jenny: Thanks for talking to us today. Do you have any parting words for our readers?
Brenna: I don’t know what’s going to happen with the missing money, but your support would mean a lot on this journey. I’d better go. Jesse is scowling again. He says he counts on me to keep Peeps in the black.
I’m countin’ on Jesse for lots of things, but playing by the rules? That’s not one of them.
NOTE from JENNY: I know Brenna is just a fictional character, but right now, she seems very real to me. I’m sure that is because Mary Pat Johns is a great storyteller!
Keep reading to learn more about Mary Pat and her book. Have you ever had a problem like Brenna’s? Did your faith help you overcome it? Comment below and you might win a copy for yourself. One way or the other, I think we’ll have to find out how this whole thing turns out!
Countin’ On Jesse is Mary Pat Johns’ debut novel, book one of the Valiant series. God put it in her heart to tell stories of brave veterans and their reintegration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war. As she kept writing, her focus generalized to include ordinary people who learn how to move forward after devastating events. Her writing includes a strong spiritual thread.
She lives in South Texas with her husband and their two dapple dachshunds. Her grown children and five grandchildren are useful sorts who keep her grounded with her reading/writing obsession. You can find her at the gym, at her computer, or reading a good book.
Here’s more about the book:
Peeps’ gym owner Jesse seeks accreditation. Accountant Brenna desires to help Jesse and Peeps. They’re a great team, but can she count on him when trouble strikes?
Accountant BRENNA MCKINLEY only wants what’s best for Peeps, the wildly popular gym in Valiant, Texas. But when money goes missing, and she’s the obvious suspect, will she be able to clear her name or face criminal charges? Keeping her dream job matters, but falling in love with her boss isn’t part of the plan. Neither is the creepy guy stalking her.
Young veteran JESSE JACOBS manages and co-owns Peeps, an exercise facility in Valiant, Texas. He needs help to gain accreditation for the gym, and his new accountant is all in. But is she who she seems? Too bad he’s falling for her like a man with no parachute. When the pressure builds, PTSD renders him moody and volatile, risking everything he loves.
DON’T FORGET TO COMMENT BELOW TO WIN A BOOK!
In the meantime- Here are links you can use to get in touch with Mary Pat and order a copy of her book.
Website: https://www.marypatjohns.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marypatjohnsauthor/
Instagram: @marypatjohnsauthor
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