The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn

Today we're welcoming KENZIE THORN, the heroine of THE KIDNAPPING OF KENZIE THORN, LIZ JOHNSON, JULY 2009. Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.
I really enjoy teaching the GED prep course at a state prison complex in Oregon. Even though my grandfather is the governor and he wants me to teach kindergarten in a safe school, I can’t help but think I’m helping these inmates find hope and a future after their release. But one day as I was leaving the prison, one of my students kidnapped me! He said he was an undercover FBI agent, placed in the prison to protect me. I just wasn’t sure I could believe him or his claim that someone wanted me dead.


2. So, during the book you met MYLES BORDEN. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?
When I first met Myles, he was an inmate in my class and unlike any other student I’d ever had. He was tall and broad and handsome and absolutely intimidated me. But I wasn’t going to let him make me look weak in front of the other inmates. But I didn’t have those other eyes on us when he kidnapped me in my very own car as I left the prison just a couple days later. It was a lot of little things that he did that made me fall in love with him—like celebrating my birthday with me and protecting me at every turn. But I didn’t know I was in love until he proved that he had never lied to me about the man who wanted me killed.


3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?
I’m a good teacher and a lot stronger than I thought I was. I didn’t know I could handle chasing down the man who forced Myles to kidnap me. But God brought me through. One of my weaknesses is definitely getting emotional at the worst possible moments. I try so hard to keep my emotions under control so they don’t get in the way of what needs to be done, but sometimes I just can’t keep it together any longer.


4. What scares you?
The thought of not being able to help my students terrifies me. Oh, and I’m not very fond of roaches either.

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wouldn’t babble when I’m nervous. I have a terrible habit of chattering uncontrollably when I’m scared and uncertain. Inevitably I make a fool of myself and stick my foot in my mouth.

6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?
At the beginning of the story, I was definitely a Christian. My faith was strong, but a little bit stagnant. I spend a lot of time relying on my grandpa and nana and not very much time really seeking God’s will.


7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?
After everything that God brought me to, I’ve learned to really rely on Him all the time. And I know that He can be counted on to walk with me through everything. I’ve even learned to lean on Him in the area of my love life.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
The verse is Psalm 33:18, 20 and it talks about how the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him and He is our help and shield. After all that I went through with Myles, I knew that God was my protector and

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?
Myles always calls me his sweet and spicy Kenzie, so I would definitely have to be a Sweet and Spicy Brownies made with Tabasco sauce.

Thank you Liz for sharing Kenzie with us today. We've enjoyed hearing from her and this sounds like an exciting read.