Caroline B. Cook moved to Nashville in 1992 to attend Vanderbilt University — and never left. She met and married her husband, West, and together they are raising their four children, while maintaining careers. He builds luxury homes and she sells real estate.

Over the last eight years Caroline has also been teaching a Bible study for young mothers in her home. She and her mother, Trisha Bridges, an artist and illustrator, work together on Caroline’s children’s books.

 

What started you on your writing journey? 

HI Kathy! Thank you for allowing me this opportunity! I first wrote all three of The Virtue Series (Joy Is, Kind Is, Still Is) on a winter getaway with my husband! I have always loved writing and being creative — but I finally had the time on this little trip to Mexico!

I found myself sitting… and remember as a mom of four I wasn’t used to that! So, I said to myself… this is what still looks like… what a concept! And in my head, I heard, “Still is being quiet, still is humming a tune… and the rest is history! I had brought a journal and some colored pencils on this trip, because I had learned my husband really loved being quiet on these trips we would take (we called them save the marriage trips) — I had to find something to keep me busy! HAHA

Just as all good novels include a plot twist, the Author and Creator of our lives often writes in a twist that ultimately blesses us more than our original plan. Have you ever experienced such a “Divine Detour”?

Goodness my life is one big detour — isn’t all of ours?! I never thought I would still be living in Nashville, I never thought I was the one to have kids at such a young age, I never thought A LOT of things!! But that is the beauty of trust! It is really fun to know that God is in control, and we are not! What a relief!

Let’s talk about Joy Is, Kind Is, and Still Is in The Virtue Series (Fedd Books, September 2024). Please tell us about the series and how it came about.

Well, I guess I kind of answered this in the first question! We first put these books out in paperback — not even a real binding — about twelve years ago! And honestly, they were so darling and simple — we had an amazing calligrapher do the text… they were so precious. But now these books have sort of grown up!

Esther Fedd and Danielle Casey with the Fedd Agency said that we had done it all wrong! So now we did it ALL right! Just think how well they will do now they said! We are really excited about getting them out into the world! I really do believe they are classics!

I understand that you have a very special collaborator for the project.

Absolutely! My MOM!! My mom is an incredible artist — even though she is her biggest critic! My whole house feels like one big gallery of her art! I am so lucky! We had so much fun working on each book — and we have more in the works! We teach an art class together at The Next Door Recovery for women here in Nashville — it is so cool to collaborate on lots of things together!

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Well, I guess this isn’t quite a food — but there is really nothing that coffee cannot solve! So, a midafternoon cup of coffee and maybe a biscotti or two is always a great way to keep up the creative flow!

What Bible passage or story best describes your journey of faith?

Oh gosh! Love this question! I would say that I am like the little lamb that Jesus just talks about in Luke 15 — how He leaves the 99 to go and get the one! He just keeps coming after me! When I was in my eating disorder… He loved me too much to let me stay there! When I had a real idol in my heart about wanting to live in Texas with my family — He showed me that I needed to let that go! Family is a great thing — but sometimes we can allow good things to be idols! He continues to show me time and time again that He is the only thing I can really count on in this life. It allows me to place good things in their proper order! My marriage, my kids, my friends, my passions — they are GREAT! But ultimately, they will not satisfy my ultimate longing for heaven.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

I would say the strong female lead! I loved acting — still do! And I love the stage — LOL I used to cry myself to sleep at night…  I wanted to be on Broadway so much! I am a strong personality — a lot of times I have to really try and calm down! But I really have two modes — one or off!

Thanks, Caroline! It’s nice to have you as a guest at Divine Detour.

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For more information about Caroline, visit her website and on Facebook and Instagram.

To order Joy Is and the other books in The Virtue Series, go to –