An Interview with Kristina Thornton

Kristina Thornton’s first novel, Claire Morris is Completely Lost, was nominated for two Romantic Novelists’ Association awards back in 2024, and later this month (28th July) her second novel, Forty Going on Nineteen, is going to be released. Published by American publisher Harpeth Road Press, it will be an e-book first, followed by a print run.

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to talk with Kristina about everything to do with her writing.

For me, as a wannabe creative (I have several projects in various states of completion), there’s nothing better than getting the chance to learn about an author’s creative process. Learning whether they’re a fly by the seat of their pants type of writer, or someone who plans everything out.

Kristina Thornton loves her craft, and that comes across clearly when she talks about inspiration, how she writes (in chapter order!), and what she’s thinking about doing next.

Forty Going on Nineteen by Kristina Thornton is a book for anyone who is looking upon turning forty with dread. I personally passed it more than a decade ago, and, being honest, I found forty-one more terrifying…But let’s save that story for another day.

So, what is Kristina’s latest novel all about?

Louise Nightingale, a routine-loving single mum, is hitting forty and feeling stuck. Enter Katie Sinclair: party planner, mischief instigator, and her best friend. She’s whisking Louise back to her hometown of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, for a week of pubs, bubbly, and very carefully crafted chaos.

The catch? Ten challenges designed to push Louise out of her comfort zone. Cue the embarrassing moments, questionable decisions, and a very familiar face—Tom Gardner, her school crush, turned slightly-too-charming adult. He’s handsome, smug, and possibly a little off-limits… or maybe not.

Full of laughter, flirting, and the kind of friendship that saves you from yourself, this is a delightfully cheeky story about love, life, and taking a few chances before forty hits.