Book: Small-Town Independence
Author: Carolyn Oravitz
Genre: Christian Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Release Date: July 1, 2025
In the charming New
England seaside town of Independence, Amanda Gibson came to start
over—not fall in love.
Still healing from a painful breakup, Amanda’s only plans involve reopening her late Aunt Helen’s quaint beachside resort and proving to herself she can stand on her own. But Independence has other ideas—starting with Clark Miller, her once-boyish crush turned unexpectedly irresistible local hero.
Clark’s easy smile and steady kindness threaten the careful walls Amanda has built, just as a string of unsettling incidents suggests someone wants her new life—and her business dreams—to fall apart. As Clark offers his help, Amanda must decide whether she’s ready to trust again—not just in romance, but in God’s greater plan.
When secrets from the past begin to surface and danger creeps closer, Amanda will have to face more than just her fears. She’ll have to fight for the truth, the resort, and a second chance at love she never expected.
A heartwarming blend of romance, mystery, and faith, Small-Town Independence is perfect for readers who love clean Christian love stories with a touch of suspense, coastal charm, and hope that endures.
Click here to get your copy!
Carolyn Oravitz is a
writer, speaker, and cancer survivor who brings heart and hope to
the stories she writes. Holding teaching certificates in English
and Art, she enjoyed years inspiring creativity in the classroom.
Her past writing included literature guides for elementary and
middle school students and writing feature articles for a local
publication.
In addition to her love of writing and art, she loves hiking, taking part in events at her church, and spending time with her friends and family.
Her other published works include: Yet Will I Hope in Him and What If It Is, two heartfelt reflections on surviving cancer, Write for Publication – Twenty Lessons to Improve Your Writing, which she and others have used as a textbook for writing classes and workshops, and Small Town – Independence, a suspenseful contemporary Christian romance novel. She is presently working on a historical novel blending her passion for the past with her gift of vivid storytelling.
I was inspired to write this story after a visit to Bar Harbor, Maine. I loved exploring the rocky coast and hiking trails, and I was fascinated by the mix of grand Victorian mansions and charming cottages. The view from the summit was unforgettable—we caught an incredible sunrise there and even joined an outdoor church service. The whole experience left me both refreshed and inspired, and it became the spark behind this story.
Stories By Gina, December 10 (Author Interview)
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 11
Simple Harvest Reads, December 12 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, December 13
Guild Master, December 14 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, December 15
Fiction Book Lover, December 16 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 17
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 18 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, December 18
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 19
A Reader’s Brain, December 20 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 21
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 22 (Author Interview)
Books Less Travelled, December 23
For Him and My Family, December 23
T0 celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/3edbf/small-town-independence-celebration-tour-giveaway
Interview
Give us an insight into your faith in the Lord.
I came to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus as a young adult, and my life changed dramatically. Jesus is true to His promises that He will never leave me or forsake me. The Word tells us that even as a believer we will have problems, “In this world you will have troubles,” but Jesus assures us that we can take heart for He has overcome the world.
Is your book part of a series?
Yes, it is part of the Small-Town Sparks series written by different authors. The stories each include a small fictional town named for a holiday such as Small-Town Valentine by Jenny Kniper. My book Small-Town Independence is set in a fictional town called Independence and includes a 4th of July celebration.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently multi-tasking finishing my historical fiction based on the Anthracite coal region of northeastern Pennsylvania in the early 1900s. The story is partly based on my family’s history and heritage and shows the contrast between the harsh life of coal miners and the life of luxury of the gilded-age wealthy. I’m also truly enjoying working on some children’s books to add to my Big Bob and Little Louie series.
Share an embarrassing moment.
One day a policeman pulled me over for speeding. Unfortunately, startled by the sirens and flashing lights, I drove off the road onto a divider and got my car stuck on it. It just happened to be at a very busy intersection at rush hour. Other drivers “rushed” by hooting and hollering at my sad state of affairs, and a tow truck had to come to my rescue. The driver of the truck leaned on my window, smiled at me, and said, “Are you having a bad day?” Bad and embarrassing.
When you aren’t writing, what do you enjoy doing?
As a writer, I really enjoy reading like most writers. I also enjoy walking in our rural area and hiking in state forests. I enjoy getting together with my wonderful friends. The vacation spot I enjoy most is the beach, which I write about in Small-Town Independence.