I just recently discovered audiobooks, but for author Kathy McKinsey, reading to books is something she grew up with. She hasn’t let her visual impairment stop her from writing or reading, and today she’s giving us a peek at her personal library.

Welcome, and thank you for being here! What was the first chapter book you read? What did you like about it?

I am a braille reader, but I didn’t learn to read braille until I was eleven. Until then, my mother read to me when she could.

My Friend Flicka was about a kid on a ranch, and the part I remember most about it was the growth in the relationship between him and his father. That thread was very special to me. I enjoyed sharing this book with my mom. She saw so many likenesses in it about issues with ranching, which related to what happened with our farm. I can remember a number of times when she read parts of what we’d read to my father the next morning, discussing farming issues.

What was the first adult novel that you read?

Kilgaren. It’s been more than forty years since I read this book, and I was not able to find it on the internet. At that time, I was a teenager. It was a story of romance, and it made my heart pinch. I read it multiple times. Now, I can think of many things about the story that would appeal to me at this age: racial conflict; family difficulties; mystery.

Have you ever had a book recommended to you that you didn’t like? No names, but what didn’t you like about it?

I had a book recommended to me that I loved. I decided to read another book by the same author, and I disliked the second vehemently. The victim in the story found hope for herself by causing physical and emotional pain for her attacker. I wished she could have found hope without having to have such harsh, tangible revenge.

If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be?

Jan Karon’s Father Tim Kavanagh. Such a likeable, delightful guy. Someone I can respect spiritually, but someone who shared his weaknesses, wrongs, and questions.

I love Father Tim! It’s been a while since I’ve read the books, but I remember liking him too. Now, if you could be part of any fictional family, which would you pick?

Dee Henderson’s O’Malley family. Most of these books take place in Chicago, and I am from Missouri. They have a good Midwest spirit that makes me feel at home. Plus, the O’Malleys are a fun, fascinating family, closely involved with each other’s lives.

The O’Malleys — some of the first books I read when I started reading Christian fiction. They have a special place in my heart too. Now for everyone’s favorite question: who’s your favorite author?

I always have a difficult time coming up with a favorite anything, and I’ve already talked about some authors who are important to me. A fairly new author, whom I met as a part of The American Christian Fiction Writers, is Janet W. Ferguson. I have been delighted by all of her books, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Leaving Oxford. For another lovely read, check out her brand, new book, For the Love of Joy.

Janet writes modern stories, with enjoyable characters, humor, the healing power of grace from many struggles.

I just interviewed Janet! If you missed it, you can read it here.

Share five books from your TBR (to be read) pile.

Where Is God When It Hurts by Philip Yancey
The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
The Midwives Series by Laurie Alice Eakes
Camino Winds by John Grisham

Gifts of Grace, available February 23:

Three novellas. Three women search with hungry hearts, and God shows them surprising answers.

Tammy needs a new goal to fill her empty nest, and she needs to find forgiveness for her heart.

Mourning the loss of her baby, Judy flees to the home she abandoned twelve years ago. The family farm. Is something new waiting for her at this old home?

Iola, who is blind, struggles to prove herself as a professional and to be the mother her sixteen-year-old daughter needs during a rough time.

Watch as God opens doors these women would never expect.

Kathy McKinsey grew up on a pig farm in Missouri, and although she’s lived in cities for more than 40 years, she still considers herself a farm girl. She’s been married to Murray for 33 years, and they have five adult children. She had two careers before writing—stay-at-home mom and rehabilitation teacher for the blind.

She lives in Lakewood, Ohio with her husband and two of her children. Besides writing, Kathy enjoys activities with her church, editing for other writers, braille transcribing, crocheting, knitting, and playing with the cat and dog.

Kathy.mckinsey@gmail.com
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https://www.amazon.com/Millies-Christmas-Kathy-McKinsey-ebook/dp/B07YTF53KT
https://www.amazon.com/All-My-Tears-Kathy-McKinsey-ebook/dp/B07P92QZPJ