| World War II is over at last, and the pier amusement park at Buckeye Lake, the “Playground of Ohio,” is lit up, loud, and ready to welcome a summer of better days. The energy of dance hall and roller coaster, though, is disorienting for Sgt. Drew Mathison, weary from battle and trying to track down the one man who can testify in his brother’s murder trial. He’s not in the mood to celebrate when he simply cannot find that witness. Especially when he suspects Emily Graham, publisher of the Buckeye Lake Beacon, is hiding him. Doesn’t she understand the danger the fugitive has brought to Buckeye Lake? Determined to save her childhood friend, the beautiful and quirky young woman manages to frustrate not just Drew but her family and community as she tries to fix a whole host of problems by herself. As Drew and Emily square off amidst secrets and a dangerous game of hide-and-seek, falling in love might be the only way to save the summer … and another life. Genre: Christian Historical Fiction Release Date: May 1, 2024 Click here to get your copy! |  |
Interview with Kim
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
My first job out of college was at a weekly newspaper in Buckeye Lake, where the local historical society was building its museum that summer. The publisher put me on that story, which would end up being so layered. I learned that this little man-made lake surrounded by cornfields in central Ohio had gone from a feeder for the Ohio-Erie canal system to being a hopping vacation destination in the early to mid-1900s, complete with a huge amusement park and lavish hotels, Big Band concerts at the ballrooms, a roller coaster over the water, dance-skate marathons - you name it. Anyway, as part of my job at the newspaper, I was constantly interacting with older people who had grown up there at the park. I got to hear all the stories. I got to watch them pull old bumper cars out of the bottom of the lakebed; they’d slipped into the water when the pier had caught fire. My imagination just took it all from there. I suddenly knew the characters of the Together series like I knew my best friends. I was accidentally doing all the research I needed to do to write historical fiction from this moment in history. It was romantic, it was exciting, it was compelling, and God took years to just refine those stories before I put them out there into the world.
My first job out of college was at a weekly newspaper in Buckeye Lake, where the local historical society was building its museum that summer. The publisher put me on that story, which would end up being so layered. I learned that this little man-made lake surrounded by cornfields in central Ohio had gone from a feeder for the Ohio-Erie canal system to being a hopping vacation destination in the early to mid-1900s, complete with a huge amusement park and lavish hotels, Big Band concerts at the ballrooms, a roller coaster over the water, dance-skate marathons - you name it. Anyway, as part of my job at the newspaper, I was constantly interacting with older people who had grown up there at the park. I got to hear all the stories. I got to watch them pull old bumper cars out of the bottom of the lakebed; they’d slipped into the water when the pier had caught fire. My imagination just took it all from there. I suddenly knew the characters of the Together series like I knew my best friends. I was accidentally doing all the research I needed to do to write historical fiction from this moment in history. It was romantic, it was exciting, it was compelling, and God took years to just refine those stories before I put them out there into the world.
#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
This part is really funny. I wrote the first book, Pressed Together, while I was still working at the newspaper twenty years ago. At least, the first time I wrote it. When I did, I had so much fun writing the story, and then I stuffed it into a desk drawer and went about my life. I had kids. A few years later, I took the manuscript out of the drawer, reread it, still couldn’t get those characters out of my head, and decided to rewrite it completely. Not edit it. No. Rewrite it from page one, starting from scratch. I knew I could do better. So, I did. I wrote that manuscript again, once again did nothing with it because I was busy transitioning to the world of education and teaching other people to write, and I tucked the finished work away again. In total, I think I rewrote Pressed Together maybe four times before it got published last year. Then, I had six months to write book two and another six months to write book three, which actually went really well. It turns out, I can write a book pretty quickly, and I figured out what my process is more in the second two books. Now I’m addicted to it. But I still think my weird process of starting over again and again with the first book in the series taught me a lot about writing a book. I wouldn’t change anything.
This part is really funny. I wrote the first book, Pressed Together, while I was still working at the newspaper twenty years ago. At least, the first time I wrote it. When I did, I had so much fun writing the story, and then I stuffed it into a desk drawer and went about my life. I had kids. A few years later, I took the manuscript out of the drawer, reread it, still couldn’t get those characters out of my head, and decided to rewrite it completely. Not edit it. No. Rewrite it from page one, starting from scratch. I knew I could do better. So, I did. I wrote that manuscript again, once again did nothing with it because I was busy transitioning to the world of education and teaching other people to write, and I tucked the finished work away again. In total, I think I rewrote Pressed Together maybe four times before it got published last year. Then, I had six months to write book two and another six months to write book three, which actually went really well. It turns out, I can write a book pretty quickly, and I figured out what my process is more in the second two books. Now I’m addicted to it. But I still think my weird process of starting over again and again with the first book in the series taught me a lot about writing a book. I wouldn’t change anything.
#3. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
There are aspects of me in each of my three central female characters in the Together series. Emily, in book 1 (Pressed Together) has trouble resting and asking others for help. Rosie, in book 2 (Packed Together), just feels such joy in making things, which is something I relate to because I’m also a visual artist. I studied both art and writing in college. Then there’s Dottie in book 3 (Patched Together), who is petrified of falling into unhealthy patterns like she’s seen in the lives of couples around her. All of that was easy to write because it was from the heart, and each of these three main characters are my favorite in different ways. Kind of like you feel about your own real-life kids, maybe?
But even though Rosie is probably the least like me in terms of personality, she’s the one whose story I had to get pretty vulnerable with. Rosie grew up in a strange situation for the WW2 era: raised by her grandparents after her mother did the unthinkable and walked away from motherhood. Rosie craved a traditional family, one that looked like everyone else’s family: perfect. That’s what she thought, from the outside looking in - that everyone else’s family was perfect, and she’d have to work hard at crafting her own version of that. When I was growing up, I labored under that same delusion. The one that says everyone else has this perfect, traditional family situation, and I was the only one with divorced parents and tensions within step families. Though I’ve enjoyed crafting family on my own terms as an adult, it was really important for me to start to recognize that “perfect” is an illusion. I had to dig deep into some of those old insecurities for Rosie’s character, so I just hope she “leaves” her novel with the assurance that God can redeem all of it.
There are aspects of me in each of my three central female characters in the Together series. Emily, in book 1 (Pressed Together) has trouble resting and asking others for help. Rosie, in book 2 (Packed Together), just feels such joy in making things, which is something I relate to because I’m also a visual artist. I studied both art and writing in college. Then there’s Dottie in book 3 (Patched Together), who is petrified of falling into unhealthy patterns like she’s seen in the lives of couples around her. All of that was easy to write because it was from the heart, and each of these three main characters are my favorite in different ways. Kind of like you feel about your own real-life kids, maybe?
But even though Rosie is probably the least like me in terms of personality, she’s the one whose story I had to get pretty vulnerable with. Rosie grew up in a strange situation for the WW2 era: raised by her grandparents after her mother did the unthinkable and walked away from motherhood. Rosie craved a traditional family, one that looked like everyone else’s family: perfect. That’s what she thought, from the outside looking in - that everyone else’s family was perfect, and she’d have to work hard at crafting her own version of that. When I was growing up, I labored under that same delusion. The one that says everyone else has this perfect, traditional family situation, and I was the only one with divorced parents and tensions within step families. Though I’ve enjoyed crafting family on my own terms as an adult, it was really important for me to start to recognize that “perfect” is an illusion. I had to dig deep into some of those old insecurities for Rosie’s character, so I just hope she “leaves” her novel with the assurance that God can redeem all of it.
#4. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
All of the characters exist in the world of each of the novels: they’re just each spotlighted as the main character in her own book. I was about to send Pressed Together to the publisher for editing when the Ohio Historical Museum hosted a weekend event called The Best Years, in which the little village connected to the museum was converted into a post-WW2 American village filled with reenactors … returning soldiers, women who owned shops, journalists, kids, musicians, etc. My mom and I both love history, and I figured since the spotlight year - 1946 - was the exact year my novel was set, we could go make a day of it. We were having a fine time there when, all of the sudden, I saw one of my main characters on the boardwalk! I can’t describe it any other way. Rosie Graham, Emily Graham’s artist sister and the main character of book 2, Packed Together, was actually standing right outside a shop … except she was a real life person looking exactly like Rosie looked in my head. It was so profound, I just came to a sudden stop. My mom was like, “What’s wrong?” And I was like, “It’s Rosie.” “Who?!” “It’s Rosie Graham. That woman looks exactly like Rosie Graham. From my book.” Anyway, imagine my further surprise when Mikayla, the reenactor who looks like Rosie, turned out to live right by Buckeye Lake! We ended up getting together for dinner and chatting one night, and it was so fun. I wrote a blog about it on my website if you want to check it out - complete with photos of Mikayla/Rosie.
All of the characters exist in the world of each of the novels: they’re just each spotlighted as the main character in her own book. I was about to send Pressed Together to the publisher for editing when the Ohio Historical Museum hosted a weekend event called The Best Years, in which the little village connected to the museum was converted into a post-WW2 American village filled with reenactors … returning soldiers, women who owned shops, journalists, kids, musicians, etc. My mom and I both love history, and I figured since the spotlight year - 1946 - was the exact year my novel was set, we could go make a day of it. We were having a fine time there when, all of the sudden, I saw one of my main characters on the boardwalk! I can’t describe it any other way. Rosie Graham, Emily Graham’s artist sister and the main character of book 2, Packed Together, was actually standing right outside a shop … except she was a real life person looking exactly like Rosie looked in my head. It was so profound, I just came to a sudden stop. My mom was like, “What’s wrong?” And I was like, “It’s Rosie.” “Who?!” “It’s Rosie Graham. That woman looks exactly like Rosie Graham. From my book.” Anyway, imagine my further surprise when Mikayla, the reenactor who looks like Rosie, turned out to live right by Buckeye Lake! We ended up getting together for dinner and chatting one night, and it was so fun. I wrote a blog about it on my website if you want to check it out - complete with photos of Mikayla/Rosie.
#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
The most profound part of publishing this series of books over the past year has been getting to meet up with book clubs. I wasn’t expecting that at all, but once the invitations started coming, they kept coming, and I’ve met some of the most amazing women I’ve ever known in their living rooms and at restaurants and such. In fact, they’ve inspired other stories for me. Jesus tells us that the Father gives good gifts, and I think that’s my takeaway when it comes to finally making the move to publish. Not copies sold or platform, necessarily, but those unexpected connections with other people. That was the good gift I was never even looking for. I think when we pray about our purpose and we pray for our readers, God says, “Oh, wait until you see what I’m going to do with this.”
The most profound part of publishing this series of books over the past year has been getting to meet up with book clubs. I wasn’t expecting that at all, but once the invitations started coming, they kept coming, and I’ve met some of the most amazing women I’ve ever known in their living rooms and at restaurants and such. In fact, they’ve inspired other stories for me. Jesus tells us that the Father gives good gifts, and I think that’s my takeaway when it comes to finally making the move to publish. Not copies sold or platform, necessarily, but those unexpected connections with other people. That was the good gift I was never even looking for. I think when we pray about our purpose and we pray for our readers, God says, “Oh, wait until you see what I’m going to do with this.”
More from Kim
Pressed Together, winner of a 2024 Angel Book Award for historical fiction, was inspired years ago when I was a newspaper reporter in Buckeye Lake. Historically, the lake was an “end of the line” stop for a railroad that featured a large amusement park, dance halls, and skating rinks. It was a favorite spot for the biggest of the Big Bands. A fire wiped most of the park out decades ago, but when I watched a crane pull old bumper cars out of the bottom of the lake, I knew the characters of this book series. I spent many happy hours in the historical society’s archives to accurately celebrate the post-war era in a small U.S. town that was also the “playground of Ohio.”
The Together Series represents the mystery, romance, and even humor of an era, even as it explores relatable faith challenges. Get ready to settle in with hilarious crowd draws, a flooded bait shop, a choking blue heron, and, of course, a hidden murder witness!
The Together Series represents the mystery, romance, and even humor of an era, even as it explores relatable faith challenges. Get ready to settle in with hilarious crowd draws, a flooded bait shop, a choking blue heron, and, of course, a hidden murder witness!
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Kim Garee is the award-winning author of The Together series, including Pressed Together (May 2024),
Packed Together (December 2024), and Patched Together (September 2025). Set in Buckeye Lake, Ohio,
just after World War II, these romances unfold at the height of the lake’s famous amusement park. Kim has
worked as a journalist and college writing instructor. She loves her current work as a Library Innovation
Teacher. She and her husband have three recently grown children and live in central Ohio.
Packed Together (December 2024), and Patched Together (September 2025). Set in Buckeye Lake, Ohio,
just after World War II, these romances unfold at the height of the lake’s famous amusement park. Kim has
worked as a journalist and college writing instructor. She loves her current work as a Library Innovation
Teacher. She and her husband have three recently grown children and live in central Ohio.
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Kim is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!
a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
Blog Stops
Devoted Steps, December 11
Pause for Tales, December 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 12
Texas Book-aholic, December 13
Stories By Gina, December 14 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 15
Life on Chickadee Lane, December 16
Cover Lover Book Review, December 17
Where Faith and Books Meet, December 17
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 18
For the Love of Literature, December 19 (Author Interview)
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, December 20
For Him and My Family, December 21
Devoted To Hope, December 22
Connie’s History Classroom, December 23
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 24 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, December 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 12
Texas Book-aholic, December 13
Stories By Gina, December 14 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 15
Life on Chickadee Lane, December 16
Cover Lover Book Review, December 17
Where Faith and Books Meet, December 17
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 18
For the Love of Literature, December 19 (Author Interview)
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, December 20
For Him and My Family, December 21
Devoted To Hope, December 22
Connie’s History Classroom, December 23
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 24 (Author Interview)