Interview with Sophia Johnson: Main Character Monday
Interview with Sophia Johnson: Main Character Monday
Welcome to my interview with Sophia Johnson on this Main Character Monday. Sophia is visiting from her book, Sofia’s Beauty by Brenda Gates. This book is the second in Brenda’s Cries From the Earth series. Stay tuned after the interview for more information on the story and a link to purchase your copy.
Let’s welcome Sophia Johnson to Main Character Monday. Sophia, why don’t you start by telling us a little about yourself.
I had it all, but it wasn’t until I lost everything, that I really had what mattered. I was a model for a big name magazine and so successful that the owner married me! That brought me wealth, which was super important. After growing up in the slums, I swore I would never be poor again. My biggest accomplishment, however, was having our twins. Those girls—wow. They are my world. But success isn’t always what it seems. My husband became abusive, but I stuck with him because I was afraid of losing my girls and ending up on the streets again. While planning my revenge, God ripped me through time and there I was—no career, no money, no kids. It was awful—and it got worse. I won’t say what happened, you’ll have to read the book to find out. Let’s just say, it took me losing everything for God to get my attention.
Wow! What a life you’ve lived. I can’t imagine being ripped away from my children. Though everything you’ve shared is probably a bit surprising to readers, can you tell me something about you that readers may find surprising? A little tidbit or quirk?
I used to be deathly scared of dogs. Growing up, the only dogs in my neighborhood were mean guard dogs.
Dogs do make a lot of people nervous. You’ve faced quite a bit in your life. You’ve seen a lot of the good and the bad. If you could solve one world problem, which one would you solve?
Child abuse. Children are the biggest blessing God gives us, and need to be protected.
I agree wholeheartedly. Speaking of making change, the New Testament tells of Mary and Martha. Two sisters who react to a visit from Jesus in very different ways. Mary chooses to spend time with Him, while Martha chooses to take care of the physical needs. Are you more Mary or Martha?
Definitely Martha.
”Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27 – Do you think living out this verse would make a difference in your life? How?
Yes! Oh, my word. I’ve been there, you know? I didn’t know what life was till I started stepping out and helping people. Of course, it caused trouble sometimes, too. Helping can cause big trouble. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.
Helping causes trouble. Hmm. I think there is probably a very interesting story to explain that. Maybe even more than one. We’ve talked a little about scripture, but is there a verse of scripture that holds great meaning in your life?
There are so many. But one chapter will always be my favorite. You see, fear drove me to do some things I thought God could never forgive me for, and this chapter, John 8, is so powerful to me. That’s the one where they bring the woman found in adultery to Jesus and want to stone her. I still get chills when I read verses 10 and 11: “…he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” I think that story finally convinced me that God could redeem me after all.
Isn’t wonderful how our God can lead us to the verses that are going to impact our lives most clearly? I love that. If you could leave readers with one message, what would it be?
God wants to redeem you so badly He is willing to move mountains (in my case, time) to accomplish that. No one is beyond His ability to forgive and to save. Believe me. I know.
Powerful message. One I hope readers take to heart. Before I let you go for the day, I’d like to ask you some just for fun questions. Nothing deep or hard. Just quick, honest answers.
If you could buy one thing, without worrying about the cost, what would you buy?
Ghirardelli Chocolate. Even more than instant hot showers, I miss good chocolate.
That’s definitely something I would miss too. What one hobby would you keep if you had to give up all other hobbies?
Sewing. Ok, I may not be wealthy any more, but there’s no reason for me not to have pretty clothes!
Apples or Pears?
Apples
Indoors or Outside?
Outside
Reading or Writing?
Reading.
Finally, I want to know about the woman who penned your story, Brenda Gates. Can you, using only three words, describe her for us?
A little concerning. (After all, how can someone who claims to love God and love people, come up with all the crazy things that happen to me in this story? Don’t you find that worrisome?)
Having read your story, I can see your point. I’d like to say, it’s the author’s job, but is that just an excuse? I’ll let you and the readers decide. Thank you, Sophia, for being here today. And thank you, Brenda Gates for letting us have this interview with Sophia Johnson for today’s Main Character Monday.
Readers, keep reading to find out more about Brenda Gates and Sophia’s Beauty.
More About Brenda
Ever since being the proverbial knee-high to a grasshopper, Brenda loved spinning tales. Married in 
college, Brenda Gates worked as a nurse, then was able to stay home to raise and homeschool their four children–a perfect occupation for a storyteller. Every bit of history learned, every place touched by people and time, has a story begging to be told. Now a proud grandma, Brenda lives with her husband, who just retired and keeps thinking of ways to keep them both busy. They are enjoying life on the lake and finally having all the kids and grandkids within easy reach.
More About Sophia’s Beauty
Fear kept modern, success-driven model, Sofia, trapped in an abusive marriage—fear of poverty, of losing her children, of being alone. When she’s mysteriously transported to 1850s America, all her fears become reality—penniless, childless, and forced to survive on her own.
With nothing left to lose, Sofia discovers a courage she never knew she possessed. Working alongside Dr. Thomas Easton, she learns that true strength doesn’t come from wealth or status—it comes from faith, 
courage, and the love of a God who sees her true value.
But when her past threatens to destroy her newfound peace, Sofia faces an impossible choice: embrace forgiveness, or let revenge consume what’s left of her heart.
Will she find her true identity in Christ and accept the second chance He offers?
Time travel, romance, and faith are combined in this inspiring story of survival, new beginnings, divine grace, and the transformative power of God’s unfailing love.
If you enjoyed my interview with Sophia Johnson, check out my interview with her daughter, Anna Marie Johnson, from Anna’s Song. Anna’s Song is book one in the series.
Main Character Monday Interview with Anna Marie Johnson
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