.png)
I'm excited to announce the launch of a blog tour of the new YA novel by Christy Scott Cashman, What Happened in Beulah. You'll find yourself caught up in this tale of a teenage girl who uncovers the dark secrets of her Smoky Mountain town while searching for a missing classmate. This gripping coming-of-age mystery perfect for fans of Where the Crawdads Sing. Join us in celebrating with an author interview and book giveaway.
But before we get to that, here's more about her book:
A rich coming-of-age story with a pulse of mystery and a budding romance, What Happened in Beulah explores the fault lines of a small town and the courage it takes to face the truths people would rather bury.
Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Beulah has always seemed steady—rooted in tradition, shaped by generations, and slow to change. But in 1986, the ground has shifted, and no one feels that more than fifteen-year-old Barrett Childress Owens. Between her parents' unraveling marriage and a school full of kids she can't connect with, she feels invisible in her own hometown.
When Lacy Gunderson, the captivating new girl everyone is curious about, suddenly vanishes, the town's calm surface fractures. Search parties comb the woods. A police investigation begins. Rumors multiply. Families close ranks. And Barrett begins to sense how much the adults around her choose not to say. As Beulah clings to its usual rituals—including the annual Miss Kudzu pageant, which has shaped local girlhood for decades—Barrett is forced to navigate a community where loss lingers in the air and secrets are carefully kept. Her journey through the uncertainty reshapes her understanding of friendships, family, and the complex place she calls home.
A rich coming-of-age story with a pulse of mystery and a budding romance, What Happened in Beulah explores the fault lines of a small town and the courage it takes to face the truths people would rather bury.
She Writes Press (October 20, 2026)
Audiobook: B0HB7D3M2Z
ASIN: B0GPDC6LFN
ISBN-13: 979-8896364801
Print length: 288 pages
Purchase your copy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-a-Million and Bookshop. You'll also want to add it to your GoodReads reading list.
About the Author, Christy Scott Cashman.jpg)
Christy is the award-winning author of the bestselling debut novel The Truth About Horses (2023), which earned multiple literary awards and widespread acclaim for its emotionally resonant storytelling, unforgettable characters, and heartfelt exploration of resilience, family, and hope. She is also the author of the children's books The Not-So-Average Monkey of Kilkea Castle and Petri's Next Things. Her third children's book, The Cat Named Peanut Shrimp Cookie Fry Muffin Who Lives on Staniel Cay, will be published in September 2026, continuing her passion for creating imaginative stories that inspire young readers and families alike.
.jpg)
Christy is the award-winning author of the bestselling debut novel The Truth About Horses (2023), which earned multiple literary awards and widespread acclaim for its emotionally resonant storytelling, unforgettable characters, and heartfelt exploration of resilience, family, and hope. She is also the author of the children's books The Not-So-Average Monkey of Kilkea Castle and Petri's Next Things. Her third children's book, The Cat Named Peanut Shrimp Cookie Fry Muffin Who Lives on Staniel Cay, will be published in September 2026, continuing her passion for creating imaginative stories that inspire young readers and families alike.
In addition to her literary career, Christy is an accomplished actress and producer who has appeared in more than twenty feature films, including American Hustle, Joy, The Women, Ted 2, and The Forger.
Committed to nurturing creativity, mentorship, and storytelling, Christy founded YouthINK, a nonprofit organization in the U.S. and Ireland that connects aspiring young creatives—including writers, filmmakers, actors, artists, musicians, and storytellers—with accomplished industry professionals who encourage, mentor, and inspire the next generation of creative voices. She is also the founder of YOUthink Creative Wellness and Writing Retreats, which offers immersive writing, creativity, and wellness experiences for adults while supporting YouthINK's mission.
A passionate advocate for literacy and the arts, Christy serves on the Boards of The Associates of the Boston Public Library, the American Film Institute, and the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. She also proudly supports Raising A Reader, reflecting her longstanding commitment to fostering early reading.
The second-youngest of ten children, Christy was named after Catherine Marshall's beloved novel Christy and grew up in North Carolina, where her lifelong love of horses began. Today, she divides her time between New York City, Martha's Vineyard, and her farm in Pennsylvania, where she finds
inspiration for many of her stories. She treasures time with her family, four horses, two dogs, and the moments that inspire her writing.
Website: https://christycashman.com/
Instagram: @cashman.christy
TikTok: @cashman.christy
--Interview by Jodi M. Webb
WOW: Like your debut The Truth About Horses, What Happened in Beulah is the story of a young teenage girl. Are there any underlying threads that the books have in common?
Christy: There are definitely underlying threads. I would say primarily just by virtue of the age of the protagonists. They are both dealing with being raised by adults who have their own pain and challenges. They are both trying to figure out where they fit in and how to let go of the fears they cling to from the past in order to forge ahead to a new beginning.
WOW: I feel like that's an experience we go through at so many ages. Speaking of age, your book is labeled Young Adult, but as a non-YA reader, I still found it engaging. Do you believe book industry labels are helpful or restrictive for readers?
Christy: That’s a really interesting question. Because I think labels are both helpful and restrictive when referring to a book or a person! I think it’s best to see them as a loose guideline as opposed to black and white descriptions. I find labels dangerous for a lot of reasons.
WOW: Why did you place your novel in 1986 as opposed to the present?
Christy: I placed my novel in 1986 because it was a time in my life when there was a big change. All of the detail I was growing up with in this little town in the Smoky Mountains was accentuated to me because we had just moved there at the time. I think anytime you move as a kid, all of your senses are very alive. Probably partly because of fear and change. But it’s very helpful to rely on all of those feelings to be able to write a story from that perspective. And I found that I didn’t have to dig too deep to find them. I loved being able to write about a time when we did not rely on our technology for everything!
WOW: Did you have any beta-readers who were teenagers to help ensure that you were capturing the teenage experience and emotions, or did you rely on your own memories?
Christy: I really just relied on my own memories for my teenage voice. In some ways, it was easier than writing the character of Reese in The Truth About Horses because Reese I wrote as present day in the teenage voice and Barrett I wrote as a teenager from the 80s which I can certainly relate to!
WOW: As an actress, who do you relate to? Which character in your novel would you like to play in the movie? (Of course, I made that up… unless there is a movie in the works and you’d like to announce it here.)
Christy: Oh my gosh! I think it would be so much fun to play mama! She’s just so fun and flawed and interesting to me. She's a sloppy hot mess and I can definitely relate to that!
WOW: Can't we all. I just sent a loved one a text that read "I'm sick. Bring me chocolate." What did you learn writing your first novel that helped when writing What Happened in Beulah?
Christy: It mostly helped for me to realize that I have my own way of working. I gained a lot of confidence knowing that sometimes it’s helpful to put a manuscript aside for several weeks and sometimes it’s helpful to write every day but not necessarily in your manuscript.
I also found that it’s very much like having another child because it’s not exactly the same experience. I wasn’t quite as precious about certain things. For instance, if The Truth About Horses is my first baby and What Happened in Beulah is my second, I may have coddled and breast-fed The Truth About Horses a bit longer than What Happened in Beulah. IF The Truth About Horses dropped the pacifier on the ground, I would’ve washed it several times before giving it back. With What Happened in Beulah, I would have shoved it right back in her mouth.
WOW: I love it! I'm picturing you shoving a pacifer into the mouth of a baby/book creature. Can you tell us a little more about your writing process?
Christy: I write in phases. At the beginning of a manuscript I would refer to it as my hunting and gathering mode. I don’t necessarily know the direction I’m going so I’m looking for a little clues out in the world. A conversation I might overhear, the way someone is dressed might inspire a character. Airports, and coffee shops become incredibly rich for material. It’s during this time that I get to have a fresh view of life. And I love it!
The next phase is a bit more grueling because it requires sitting down and piecing all of these clues together. But this is also so exciting because it’s where I get to choose my world, the characters in the world and the challenges that they will face. I tend to write in islands where I can write a scene and not necessarily know how it’s connected to the rest of the story, but if it comes to my mind, it’s a mistake if I don’t write it down.
The next phase is like connecting all the dots and filling in to create a streamlined story; or at least something that makes enough sense for a rough draft. The most important thing I found in learning to write is to not try to be perfect. Once I make my way to a rough draft I have a little celebration because it feels like there’s a story and now I’m well aware of the challenges ahead.
WOW: What was your inspiration for creating YouthINK? Did a younger you have a creative mentor?
Christy: I started YouthINK because I was so excited about having been able to get The Truth About Horses to the finish line. It felt like a gift. Afterwards, it felt like something God was telling me to do. To create a place where kids could express themselves creatively and learn to find their voices. I had an English teacher in my sophomore year in high school who used to write the nicest comments on my
creative writing assignments. Also, my uncle Ernie complimented my letter-writing.
WOW: I commend you for actually doing it. Too often we have great ideas for improving the world but they get stuck in the idea phase. Finally, a question just because I’m feeling particularly nosy. Were you ever in a pageant similar to the Miss Kudzu Pageant in What Happened in Beulah?
Christy: I was never in a pageant like the Miss Kudzu pageant, thank God! But as you know, there are so many different types of pageants in the south. And I find humor and lots of interesting things to write about in regard to anything competitive that parents do with their children or in general!
WOW: Yes, competition does bring something out in us, doesn't it? The cutthroat world of t-ball. Let's end with what’s up next for you?
Christy: Thank you for asking! I’m actually working on a screenplay right now and I’m not even sure what it’s about. But I think that there are themes around mental illness and becoming too complacent in life. And maybe redefining yourself when it doesn’t seem like the most convenient time.
WOW: A screenplay! That's an exciting change of pace. We can't wait to hear more when this idea really begins to take shape.
--Blog Tour Calendar
October 26th @ The Muffin
Join us as we celebrate the launch of What Happened in Beulah by Christy Scott Cashman. Read an interview with the author and enter the giveaway.
October 27th @ A Storybook World
Like literary secrets? Stop by for author Christy Scott Cashman's list of 10 Novels about Small Towns with Big Secrets.
October 28th @ Boys' Mom Reads
Get a sneak peek at your next read with an excerpt of What Happened in Beulah.
October 29th @ Knotty Needle
Christy Scott Cashman, author of a novel full of fog, kudzu, and mountain storms, writes about the landscape as a character.
October 31st @ All Things Writing
Author and actor Christy Scott Cashman shares what acting taught her about writing dialogue.
November 2nd @Storeybook Reviews
Read an excerpt of What Happened in Beulah and a guest post by author Christy Scott Cashman on What a Beauty Pageant Reveal About a Town.
November 3rd @ Words by Webb
Jodi shares her thoughts on What Happened in Beulah by Christy Scott Cashman.
November 5th @ Knotty Needle
Judy reviews Christy Scott Cashman's YA novel What Happened in Beulah.
November 6th @ Just Katherine
Author Christy Scott Cashman is visiting to tell everyone about her work with YouthINK: What Mentoring Teen Writers Taught Me about Writing a Teenager.
November 11th @ Chapter Break
Christy Scott Cashman posts about the challenges of writing with the voice of a 15 year old girl with condescending to her in her latest What Happened in Beulah.
November 14th @ All Things Writing
Caitrin answers the writing prompt for the What Happened in Beulah blog tour by sharing a childhood experience that still affects her as an adult.
November 17th @ A Wonderful World of Words
How do you set novel in the past but still have a modern feel? Today author Christy Scott Cashman explains how she walked the tightrope of setting What Happened in Beulah in 1986.
November 21st @ Boots, Shoes and Fashion
Meet author Christy Scott Cashman in today's interview.
***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****
Enter to win What Happened in Beulah by Christy Scott Cashman. Fill out the form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends November 8th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!
Looks very exciting
ReplyDeleteSounds good!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great.
ReplyDeleteOn my reading list now for sure
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good book!
ReplyDeleteI was a young woman in the 80s and would love to revisit that era .
ReplyDelete