Author Katie James-Lawson

On a scale of chili peppers, I’m the glass of milk. My books are completely spice-free. You’ll get flirting, butterflies, swoony moments, and kisses—but don’t expect a five-alarm fire. In fact, if things start getting too heated, somebody’s probably going to make a joke, trip over something, or walk in at the worst possible moment. Think romantic tension without the explicit scenes, kisses without the spice, and happily-ever-afters without needing a fire extinguisher.

Absolutely... NOT. You will not find a single four-letter word hiding in my books. In fact, I have invented my own alternatives to swear words, and I use them not only in my books but in real life, too. Because apparently I am incapable of stubbing my toe like a normal person. And no, before you ask, I will not be providing a cheat sheet for my made-up vocabulary. Some secrets are best kept between me, my characters, and the Lord.

PG-13. And if you’re thinking, “Wait a minute. A sweet rom-com with kisses only is PG-13? How can that be?” Well, allow me to explain. Because your girl here LOVES a sly innuendo. I’m talking about the kind of jokes that make the adults snicker while the kids are sitting there thinking, “I don’t get it.” Nothing explicit. Nothing inappropriate. Just a little wink-wink humor for the grown-ups that will sail completely over a child’s head. But there’s another reason, too. My books aren’t always sunshine, cupcakes, and people falling in love while wearing perfectly coordinated outfits. Sometimes my characters go through some real-life stuff. There are heavier moments. Hard conversations. Heartbreak. Grief. Struggles. The kind of things that give a story a little depth. As my pastor likes to say, sometimes you need to “give ’em some meat with their mashed potatoes.”

Yes. No. Maybe? All of my books take place in the little town of Strawberry Grove, but each book is a standalone. So you can pick up whichever story catches your eye and start there without wondering who Ruffus is, why Sarah Mae is mad at him, or what happened at the church picnic three books ago. Honestly, I’m not sure I could write a traditional series if I tried. I am incapable of keeping my brain focused on one storyline for too long. So read them in order if you want! Read them completely out of order! Start with the one that has the cutest cover! I support all of these decisions. Although... One day, I might get really ambitious and pull a Star Wars and throw a story in there that takes place way back in Strawberry Grove history. Then you might want to read that one first. ... Ohhh. I like that. I need to write that down. Pen, someone give me a pen! 

Well... isn’t that a hard question to answer? According to the book industry? No. To officially label a book “Christian,” there’s a list of criteria longer than my grocery list and I feed seven kids, two huge dogs, my husband, and myself. So trust me when I say that grocery list is LONG. But here’s the truth: I am a Christian. Jesus is first in my life. Then my husband. Then my children. And then, obviously, Dr. Pepper (priorities). You’ll find biblical values, morals, faith, forgiveness, grace, and the beauty of true womanhood and manhood woven throughout my stories. Not because I’m trying to check off a list, but because those things are a part of who I am. Jesus is a part of my life because He saved my life. He is the reason I write. He is the voice behind every story, every character, the fabric of Strawberry Grove, and every happily-ever-after. So, are my books officially labeled Christian fiction? Maybe not. But will you find the fingerprints of my faith all over them? Absolutely.