Keeping Guard Interview

Today we're welcoming Kylie Summers, the heroine of Keeping Guard by Christy Barritt, a February 2011 release.
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.
My name is Kylie Summers. I have a cooking show on a local TV station back in Kentucky. Cooking for other people is like sharing part of my life with them. I love nothing more than coming around the table with other people to share food and stories. About six months ago, I began receiving threats on my life from someone. The problem is that I’ve never seen this person’s face, so he could be anyone. It’s gotten serious enough that I left my home to take refuge with my brother’s best friend in Virginia. I’m working in his restaurant and living in an extra apartment above the kitchen.

2. So, during the book you met Nate Richardson. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?
Nate came across as really gruff to me initially. I couldn’t imagine spending one hour with him, nonetheless weeks! But Nate’s a bit like a roasted marshmallow. He’s tough on the outside, but so sweet on the inside. I knew I loved him when he put his own life in danger in order to save me. He’s quite guarded with his heart, but once he lets you into his life, he’s protective, loyal and faithful.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?
I’m great in the kitchen. I also love people and I love organizing things. My greatest weakness is that I’ve been letting other people boss me around for far too long. It’s time to start making my own decisions now, and to take control of both my life and my career.

4. What scares you?
Besides the mad man trying to kill me? I’d have to say that being alone scares me—not in the temporary sense, but in the grand scheme of things. Life is so much sweeter when we surround ourselves with people who care about us… much like a brownie tastes ten times better when covered in chocolate, ice cream and whip cream!
5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wouldn’t be the youngest in my family. I tend to get babied quite a bit.

6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?
I had lymphoma as a teenager and the disease strengthened my faith in God at the time. But after remission, I began asking questions to God like: Why me? Why when I was so young? What did I do wrong to deserve that disease? Eventually, I simply started going through the motions of Christianity, but my relationship with God wasn’t really there.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?
I’ve realized that circumstances can’t determine who I am. I have to let God take charge of my life, and let my faith strengthen me instead of using life circumstances as an excuse for doubt.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
The Scripture is Psalms 25:20 which says, “Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You.” God does watch over our lives, even when we feel like He’s absent. We’re the ones who take steps away from God, never the opposite. We must cling to God in the hard times, trusting that He’s indeed guarding over our lives.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?
I’d have to say bananas foster. Why? Because before the dessert reaches it’s full potential, it has to be set on fire. I’d definitely say that I had to go through the fire in order to be refined!

Christy will bless a commenter with a book. Please leave an email address for Christy to contact you.


Christy Barritt has two new romantic suspense novels coming out in 2011: Keeping Guard and The Last Target. She’s also the author of the Squeaky Clean Mystery Series, which follows the adventures of crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire. When Christy’s not working on her books, she writes articles for various publications and leads worship at her church. She lives in Virginia with her husband, two young sons and a houseplant named Martha. When Christy has some free time, she enjoys… who’s she kidding? She never has free time! And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Visit her website at: www.christybarritt.com.