N. N. Light's Book Heaven presents Karina Bartow #authorspotlight #mystery #romance #mustread
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  • N. N. Light
    • Apr 22
    • 10 min read

N. N. Light's Book Heaven presents Karina Bartow #authorspotlight #mystery #romance #mustread



Every story needs a good dose of adversity and a compelling character to rise above it. I don't find myself very compelling, but I've done my share of trying to overcome the obstacles that have come my way. 

 

When I was ten months old, I was diagnosed with Athetoid Cerebral Palsy, a neurological disorder.  This would go on to affect my motor skills and balance.  Even at that young age, though, my doctor could see what kind of person I was, as he told my parents, “She’s a fighter!  You don't have to worry about her.”  Never have any truer words been spoken.

 

Yes, a fighter I was, as my classmates, whom I'd readily challenge to arm-wrestling matches, can tell you!  As the doctor had predicted, that attitude was one of the things that propelled me to where I am today.  I wasn't going to sit in a wheelchair and watch the world go by...and my family would've never let me try! 

 

My parents never treated me like a handicapped child.  My mom took me everywhere, even to bowl, and my dad even taught me how to play baseball and football—or a version thereof!  My Cerebral Palsy was merely a term I heard in therapy and at doctors' appointments.

 

Because of such impartiality, I always saw myself as capable of doing whatever I set my mind to. As I began to debate what I would be when I grew up, my mom took me to listen to a children's book author speak at the local library. Her passion for writing rubbed off on me, and I could see myself pursuing a career in that direction. As an honors student, I already excelled in English class and had a very active imagination, so it seemed like a good fit.

 

While I had confidence in my mental abilities, my physical limitations posed a significant hurdle. I only have use of one hand, which obviously hinders my typing. I honestly didn't know if I would be able to physically compose a whole novel from beginning to end. We discussed having my mom take dictation from me, but as well intention as she may be, I knew we would probably drive each other crazy! Plus, I wanted to do this independently.

 

After I graduated from high school, I decided to just give it a try and see how far I could progress. To my surprise, I finished my first novel in a year and a half. With that insecurity behind me, I jumped right into trying to find a publisher for the book. Meanwhile, I continued writing and eventually secured a book deal with a small publisher in 2015.

 

Through my work, I've endeavored to highlight the challenges and triumphs that accompany having a disability. My debut novel, Husband in Hiding, follows a deaf detective and her pursuit to have a career and the family life that others might not have envisioned for her. I ended up creating a series about her, titled The Unde(a)feated Detective Series, that shines a spotlight on what people with disabilities are capable of if they are given a chance. I'm especially proud of these stories and the hope they can give to people with limitations like me.

 

Along with the three installments of the series, I've also had two love stories published, which both mean a lot to me. Both of them feature Mabel, a character who was inspired by a feisty but lovable friend who was like a grandmother. Wrong Line, Right Connection is centered around her love story with her real life husband, Roy. I used some old love letters they exchanged as well as her history of being a telephone operator to sculpt the fictional plot and had a wonderful time shaping their characters. Since we lost both of them many years before I wrote the book, I cherished having that time to reflect on who they were and what made them so special to me.

 

My circumstances may have been a bit more difficult than some people's, but I've tried to make the most of them and lead as full of a life as I can.  I've had my dark days, but with the love and support from my family and friends, along with my faith, I've battled through them, as the fighter that I am. 

 

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Follow on Bookbub: @KarinaBartow

 

Title Husband in Hiding  

Author Karina Bartow

Genre Mystery

 

Book Blurb

 

Most wives think they have it hard when their husbands forget to take out the garbage or leave the toilet seat up, but Minka Avery has them beat: Hers ends up in Witness Protection!

 

As a deaf police detective, she’s overcome many challenges, but none prepare her for the ones she faces in Husband in Hiding. Immersed in a heated investigation into the abductions of NBA players, Minka and Cael, her partner and brother-in-law, find nothing but dead ends. That all changes, though, when Minka’s husband, Wes, meets up with a former classmate, Shantelle Brayden. One of the Orlando Magic’s dancers, Shantelle leads Wes and the detectives to a big break...but it comes with a price. Wes’s meddlesome ways land him on the mob’s radar, forcing him into hiding.

 

Now without her childhood sweetheart or any hopes of their future together, Minka’s more determined than ever to put an end to the case. Will she find the culprit? Will she find her husband?

 

Excerpt

 

          “I’m honestly beginning to wonder if we should contact WITSEC on it.”

 

          “Please, Gus,” Minka disputed.  “The Witness Protection Program isn't out there for cases like this.  This is a stupid case about basketball, for crying out loud!”

 

          “That’s what it used to be, but not anymore,” Gus countered.  “I mean, we played into their hands with Elmway at first, but now that he’s off the hook, what’s in this for them?  Their operation’s been stopped, costing them their ‘hard-earned’ money, and one of their main men was busted.  To them, Wes is the one responsible for it all and keeps trying to wiggle his way into their business.  Chances are, they’re out for revenge…and they usually don’t stop till they get it.”

 

          The possibility of her husband—and possibly her—having to abandon their lives terrified Minka, so she suggested, “Couldn’t we take Wes into protective custody until this blows over?” 

 

          “When can we count on that to happen?  The mob holds grudges, especially when someone introduces them to law enforcement,” Gus reasoned.

 

          Still determined to make Gus reconsider, Minka begged, “Can't we wait this out a little longer?”

 

          Shaking his head with a frown, he had to tell her, “I’m afraid to see what happens if we do.”

 

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Author Biography

 

Karina Bartow grew up and still lives in Northern Ohio.  Though born with Cerebral Palsy, she’s never allowed her disability to define her.  Rather, she’s used her experiences to breathe life into characters who have physical limitations, but like her, are determined not to let them stand in the way of the life they want.  Her works include Husband in Hiding, Brother of Interest, Forgetting My Way Back to You, and Wrong Line, Right Connection.  She may only be able to type with one hand, but she writes with her whole heart!

 

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Title Forgetting My Way Back to You

Author Karina Bartow

Genre Contemporary Romance

Publisher Vinspire Publishing

 

Book Blurb

 

At one point or another, everybody finds themselves wanting a second chance, whether it be missing the mark on an investment, failing to live up to a certain goal, or letting a true love slip away. It’s very seldom, however, that one receives the proverbial do-over.


Charlee Stoll and Hunter Jett become the modern-day exception. After a decade-long estrangement, the high school sweethearts reconnect when Hunter, fresh off a career in arena football, returns to his hometown. Their reunion catches both of them by surprise, and they quickly recapture the love they once shared. When Hunter begins to rethink his choices, though, tragedy strikes. During a heated confrontation, Charlee’s thrown off a horse and sent into a week-long coma.


When she awakens with no clue who he is, he seizes the chance to right his wrongs, but it proves more challenging than he expects. On top of romancing her, he must overcome her father’s displeasure, another ex-boyfriend vying for her love, and her own mission to regain her memory. Through charm and deception, can he win back her love…before she discovers the truth?

 

Excerpt

 

          Ashamed to admit her memory lapse, she didn’t want to ask him about it outright but chose to interrogate him with subtlety.

 

          “Where’s my mom?”

 

          “She had to go back to work. She spent all last week here,” he assured her.

 

          “Shouldn’t you be working, too?” she inquired to make sure he wasn’t a homeless freeloader who claimed to know hospital patients to get free food and lodging.

 

          “Today is my last sick day, but rumor has it a few of the other teachers may offer to donate a couple of theirs.”

 

          His statement compounded her confusion even more, so she attempted to clarify, “You work at a school?”

          “Yeah, Coatesville High. Don’t you remember they hired me last summer?”

 

          “Not really,” she admitted. “Do you know what I was doing riding a horse? I’ve never even been on one.”

 

           “You stopped over, and we decided to go for a ride.”

 

          “So, it was your horse that fell?”

 

          “Yes,” he confessed with a sigh.

 

          “Is he okay?”

 

          A sad look crossed his face, and he swallowed hard. “He isn't suffering.”

 

          “I’m sorry.”

 

          “I’m just glad you’re all right. Losing both of you would’ve been a nightmare.” His voice cracked, and he rose to his feet, squeezing her hand. “I should call your mom.”

 

          Though she hated to face her dilemma, she needed to know, “I’m sorry, but I can't seem to recall your name.”

 

          “Hunter,” he revealed matter-of-factly. “Hunter Jett.”

 

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Title Brother of Interest

Author Karina Bartow

Genre Mystery

Publisher The Wild Rose Press

 

Book Blurb

 

There’s nothing more heart-warming than a brother and sister’s bond—or is there?

 

In Minka Avery’s case, her relationship with her brother, Robin, has been strained for years, but never more than it is in Brother of Interest.

 

For the past fourteen months, Minka's been basking in the joys of new motherhood, a far cry from the life she had as a deaf police detective. She sometimes misses the rush of chasing criminals, but she finds more excitement than she ever wanted when Robin ends up at the top of the list of suspects in a high-profile assault investigation.

 

She may not have a badge anymore, but the sister and law enforcer in her impel her unofficially explore the matter on her own. Will she find her runaway brother? Will the evidence she unearths exonerate him...or point to his guilt?

 

Excerpt

 

“Could I talk to you about a case?”

 

It complimented her that Cael valued her insight, but Minka tried her best to repress her love for her former career. She didn’t want it to detract from her primary focus of caring for her baby. “Like I’ve said before, Cael, I can’t get involved. I’m out of all that now.”

 

“I know, but you’re going to have to make an exception this time.” His firm tone seized her attention. “A man named Perry Hamilton was found behind a bowling alley downtown last night, beaten like you wouldn’t believe. He’s president of Stags Technology, a rising software company. Anyways, we discovered he has a disgruntled employee, who’s suing him for not giving him a promotion. People overheard them arguing the afternoon of the assault.”

 

Minka’s fears began to materialize. “Why does this concern me?”

 

“Because the employee is your brother.”

 

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Title Wrong Line, Right Connection

Author Karina Bartow

Genre Historical Romance

Publisher The Wild Rose Press

 

Book Blurb

 

Could a mortifying day on the job end up netting you true love?

 

When switchboard operator Mabel Jennings reports to work on a Monday in the summer of 1964, she doesn’t have any interest in finding love again. Out-of-towner Roy Stentz rings up her station, however, and makes her reconsider.  Mabel’s intrigued by his deep yet kind voice, but she endeavors to remain professional. Her attraction frazzles her mind, causing her to transfer Roy to the wrong line. When he calls back to give her another try, she repeats the mistake, humiliating herself.

 

The haphazard introduction sets an unexpected romance into motion. Though she falls quickly for him, Mabel's bittersweet past refrains her from giving Roy her full devotion. Can she overcome her memories of love lost to embrace the new one calling out to her?

 

Excerpt

 

            When the motel lit up a third time, she dropped the preamble. “I’m sorry, Mr. Stentz. I’ll get it right this time.”

 

            “No problem, but now that I think about it, you can give me the number, anyhow. That way, I won’t have to trouble you if I need to make another call during my stay.”

 

            She did her best to conceal her humiliation while she recited it. She didn’t cry often, but to her alarm, a tear traced down her cheek. With him living out of the state, they probably would never cross paths, but discouragement washed over her. She blew her chance, if she had one to blow in the first place.

 

            “Thank you, miss.” His chivalry didn’t crack, a sign of what a nice fellow he must be, given what she put him through. “Since I have you again, I wanted to ask if you’d like to go to dinner with me tonight? I was hoping someone could show me the sights before I head north. Plus, I’d like to find out if you’re a better date than you are an operator.”

 

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Title Accidental Allies

Author Karina Bartow

Genre Mystery

Publisher The Wild Rose Press

 

Book Blurb

 

Everybody’s experienced a rocky start to a new job, but few can top Minka Avery's return to Orlando PD.

 

After six years as a stay-at-home mom, Minka’s nervous but excited to sit at a detective’s desk again. Before she has a chance to break in her badge, however, her career resumes with a bang when someone bombs the county courthouse.  

 

With many disillusioned with the justice system, several brow-raising suspects emerge right away. Minka and her new partner, Renee, follow several tips that lead to dead ends, until they zero in on the courthouse's former security guard. Their attempts to apprehend him send the city and police department into chaos. Meanwhile, Minka contends with the lingering suspicion of another party being involved. Could his accomplice be closer than she thinks?

 

Excerpt

 

Because of the explosion, all of the amusement parks closed early, driving out the entire community of panicked tourists. News vans and first-responders added to the congestion, all sharing the same destination. Rush hour on its worst day didn’t compare to this chaotic ride.

 

Upon driving closer, Minka and Renee saw smoke ascending from the twenty-three-story building. Totally engulfed in flames, the Orange County Courthouse lacked its former majestic quality. Firefighters surrounded the south side where the thickest smoke bellowed into the sky. The darkness of it, combined with the late hour, filtered the whole scene, but the detectives managed to find Cael and his partner, Declan Schuster. Having arrived minutes ahead of Minka and Renee, Gus stood with the guys.

 

Minka swallowed the lump in her throat. “I can’t believe this is happening here.”

 

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