Takeover Tuesday with Aminata Coote

Happy Tuesday!!

Can you believe it’s the last day of the month? To celebrate the end of a new month, we have a guest blogger on site for Takeover Tuesday. Grab a cup of tea (or coffee) and chat with Aminata Coote about her new release, His Perfect Match!!

The Idea Behind His Perfect Match

In 2021, I got an idea for a story: what if a blue-haired girl fell in love with a pastor?

Though I tried to flesh out the idea, nothing else came (confession: I’m a pantser who really wishes she were a plotter). In November of that year, I started writing.

Initially, I thought the image had hinted at the character dynamics. I expected Brianna would be bold and a little rebellious, while Daniel would be conservative and staid—traits that were on opposite spectrums and would create conflict between the characters.

But that’s not how things turned out. Yes, Brianna was rebelling against something, but it wasn’t what I thought.

Themes in His Perfect Match

One of the major themes explored in His Perfect Match is church hurt. What happens when brothers and sisters in Christ continually hurt another member of the church?

In Brianna’s case, she left the church and turned her back on God. The pain she experienced from the people who claimed to love God made it difficult for her to believe that God accepted her and loved her with all her flaws.

Another theme you’ll see in His Perfect Match is judging others. The Bible tells us in Matthew 7:1-2 that we shouldn’t judge others because the way we judge them is the way we will be judged. Yet, this is something most people struggle with.

We are predisposed to judge others, either because of pride or through our prejudices. We look at them and make assumptions because of the way they look or act. Sometimes, we cast aspersions on them because of their background or the people they’re related to.

Many times we’re lashing out at others because we fear they’ll expose something about us.

That we’re not as loving as we claim. That we see barriers where we shouldn’t. And maybe, like the person standing before us, we’re not as perfect as we like to believe and fall short of the image we project.

Why I Write

I love stories. The way writers take ideas and weave them into a beautiful picture. God has often used the written word, fiction and nonfiction, to speak truth into my life. I’ve learned so many lessons through books that I want to be a part of that—using my words to reveal truth, encourage and enlighten.

I’ve been a reader for many years, but had never thought of writing until a classmate challenged me in high school. Her theory was that since I’d read so many books, I should be able to write one. Challenge accepted. Though it’s a lot easier to read a story than it is to write one.

Still, I enjoy creating characters who only marginally follow my directions but who God uses to create stories I hope will resonate with readers.

What I Hope People Will Learn From His Perfect Match

When people read His Perfect Match, I pray that they’ll get a glimpse into how our actions can affect people and make changes where necessary. If they’re prone to misjudge and mistreat others, I hope they’ll hesitate and strive to put more Jesus in their interactions.

If someone in the church has hurt them, I hope they’ll see that Jesus loves us all and that we’re all imperfect. I pray they’ll find the grace to forgive those who hurt them and strive toward strengthening their relationship with God so that they don’t inadvertently become the thing they dislike.

More than anything, I hope it will encourage their faith as they recognize we can’t do anything without God, but we can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength.

Why do you read Christian fiction? I’d love to hear at least one lesson you learned from a story or fictional character.

About the Book

They were two people who should not fall in love. But God had other plans.

Communications consultant Brianna McPherson would have a much better chance of rallying her fledgling business if her family would stop sending her customers who believed in the barter system. She needs paying clients or will have to close her firm.

Daniel Hutchinson’s church is in trouble. He has less than three months to get an influx of members or close their doors for good. When a friend suggests the free help of a brand manager, he jumps at the chance. He never expected to fall for the feisty consultant.

The last thing she needs is another non-paying client. Especially not the handsome pastor who’s messing with her head and making her feel all kinds of ways. If they can’t make this partnership work, they’ll both be out of a job.

But what if there’s something greater at stake? Like an unforgettable love.

His Perfect Match is the first book of a Christian romance series set in Orange Valley that will remind you that God is interested in every aspect of your life, including whom you fall in love with.

Purchase | Goodreads

About the Author

Aminata Coote’s passionate love affair with books began with an upside-down copy of Silas Marner, and she’s dedicated her life to helping women understand the truth of the Bible for themselves.

She writes stories that aim to point to a God bigger than our failings and provide hope to others. Aminata lives in Montego Bay, Jamaica with her husband and son.

Aminata Coote is also the author of several Bible studies and devotionals, including, Through God’s Eyes: Marriage Lessons for Women and Draw Closer: 52 Week Devotional Journal for Women.