Interview with Jessica A Tanner

Today, I am sharing a fun interview with Jessica A. Turner, the author of the recently released Peaflower. 

Jessica, thank you for taking the time to give us a glimpse into you and your writing.

1) Who is your favorite comfort read author?

Hmm. Clive Cussler. He’s not a fantasy author – more an adventure one. I really like his Isaac Bell adventures—solving crimes, catching bad guys, traveling the US or the world during the 1920s, ‘30s, and ‘40s.


2) What do you most like about this genre that you are writing in?

The genre I am writing in allows me to take old ideas and turn them on their heads. To help people see life from a new perspective. To sprinkle a little magic on the everyday. To inspire. And maybe share a laugh or two!


3) Who, past or present, is one author you would like to mentor you?

I’d like one more sit-down session with my friend and mentor, Linda Farmer Harris. She wrote many stories—one of my favorites is a novella, The Lye Water Bride, in The California Gold Rush: Romance Collection from Barbour Publishing. And she wrote with heart—drawing readers into a memorable tale while sharing her faith.



4) How do you develop your setting (a photo, a trip, a random comment)?

I just start writing and let the world unfurl as the characters interacts with it. Once I have the basic idea, I fill in a few details so readers can better get a feel of what I see in my imagination.


5) If you could share a cup of tea (or coffee) with anyone, who would it be?

I’d like to share a cup or two of hot cocoa with my grandparents. It was super fun when we’d make up mugs of hot cocoa and squirt whip cream on each other’s cups. I miss them.



6) Do you have a favorite author that you would recommend?

I have more than one. Jaime Jo Wright—her time split novels keep me turning the pages and her ability to describe a scene or a mood is stellar, but sometimes they feel a bit dark even though I know the light will win. Clive Cussler—especially his Isaac Bell adventures. Debbie Macomber—her stories featuring the angels and their antics around Christmas time are heartwarming and hilarious!


7) What one book would you recommend that everyone read?

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackey.


8) Who is your favorite character in your book?

Depends on which book. With Sonji, it’s Sonji. With Peaflower, it’s Princess Marion’s pet rat Cleevy.


9) Should I read Peaflower in conjunction with any of your other books, or is it a standalone title?

Peaflower is a standalone. I’m hoping to tell a few more stories in the same story world, but plan for them too to be standalones.


10) What did you most enjoy when writing Peaflower?

Cleevy’s opinion on everything and everybody.


11) Is there a specific line or scene from Peaflower that you feel directed the story in a specific direction? If it had not been in the story, would everything have changed?

This may sound silly—but if Prince Rupert hadn’t thrown Princess Marion into a pond when they were kids, it could have changed the story. She needed to be able to be mad at someone, EVEN if that someone wasn’t the real root of her current troubles.


12) Did you learn anything about peaflowers while writing this book?

I did. Peaflowers often stand for delicate beauty.



13) What one question would you like to be asked, and how would you answer it?

Here’s the question: So many of your reading suggestions and favorite authors are not part of the fantasy or fairytale genre or even YA fiction, how did you get into writing what you do?

And here is the answer: I enjoyed fantasy and fairytales as a kid, but what I found in the YA department turned me off. I jumped into the adult section, but those genres for adults often took dark turns that scared me. I wanted something that gave me the feels of a middle-grade fantasy, but starred people my own age—people who weren’t sucked into evil or caught up in some sort of love triangle. I wanted adventure and healthy relationships (not just romantic ones!) and good triumphing over evil. So, I started writing it.

Again, thank you, Jessica, for allowing us a glimpse into your book life!


About the Book:

Her kingdom is under attack. His brother is her betrothed.

Princess Marion Thornhill and her lady-in-waiting Emma flee their kingdom of Brecker with the hope of reaching the princess’s betrothed and garnering help against attacking forces. But along the way, Emma reveals her true loyalties. Left stranded in the woods during a spring storm, Marion crosses paths with her betrothed’s brother Rupert, a prince cursed by an angered fairy. Rupert helps Marion - but can they get help for Brecker before it’s too late? And what about their entangled hearts?

Spring has sprung with these seven swoony-sweet retellings. Each novella finds its happily ever after amidst themes of rebirth, hope, and new life. Each book is fully independent, and they can be read in any order. Peaflower is a retelling of The Princess and the Pea featuring tropes such as an evil lady-in-waiting and a princess with an animal sidekick.

Check out my review of Peaflower at the following link: https://bloomingwithbooks.blogspot.com/2025/05/peaflower-review.html

Interview with author Madeline Kersbergen

Today, I am sharing a fun interview with Madeline Kersbergen, the author of the recently released Daylily. 

Madeline, thank you for taking the time to give us a glimpse into you and your writing.

1) Who is your favorite comfort read author? 

Emilie Loring, hands down. She wrote romance with a touch of suspense around the same time as Georgette Heyer, Grace Livingston Hill, and Agatha Christie. Her characters were Bright Young Things in settings that were contemporary when the books were written. Reading her books is like enjoying a cold drink on a hot day, and I come away feeling that good will triumph and hope will prevail.

I'll have to check her out. I've never heard of her before.

2) If you could share a cup of tea (or coffee) with anyone, who would it be? 

I would love to have a cup of tea with C.S. Lewis - the first fantasy author I loved. Shout out to 3rd-grade Madeline, who absolutely devoured The Chronicles of Narnia! 

Those are such good books.

3) What is one book you would recommend that everyone read? 

This isn't fiction, but Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman is a book that has significantly impacted my relationship with the media, including social media. It was written in the Age of Television, but the author's message is even more applicable now, in the Age of Internet. 

Sounds interesting.

4) Who is your favorite character in your book?

 It's a tie between Lily and Henry. I love them both so much. Pinches their cheeks 

5) Do you plan for Daylily to be part of a storyworld/series? I loved the characters and wouldn't mind visiting them again. 

Thank you! I have some inklings of stories to be set in that world, and Lord Hee-nam and Lady Ae-ra totally deserve their own prequel. That being said, it might be a while before those stories come to fruition. 

I loved their characters and can totally see a prequel with the few hints you dropped into the story about their background.

6) What did you most enjoy when writing Daylily? 

I loved having Lily unravel the lies she believed about herself and bringing her to a place where she could accept the truth instead. I also enjoyed slipping in a couple of references to events from the Bible. 

7) Did you learn anything about daylilies while writing this book? 

I learned more about daylilies in terms of where they grow and what colors you can find, but I had already learned the pivotal information about daylilies (no spoilers!) from the Matched series, a dystopian trilogy by Allie Condie. 

8) What one question would you like to be asked, and how would you answer it? 

What's up with the Korean characters? I love Korea! I lived in Seoul for 10 years, working as an English teacher. My first attempts at writing novels were original Korean dramas (Kdramas) written in English. I plan to revisit those attempts, so keep an eye out for them if you also love Kdramas! 

Thank you again for the interview, Meagan! It's been a lot of fun to answer your questions.

Thank you, Madeline. I enjoyed learning more about you and Daylily. 

About the Book:

Amid tragedy and betrayal, will Daylily find her true worth?

Daylily, the undeniably beautiful princess of Blumen, is unprepared when her family is betrayed. Finding herself thrust into a role she never expected to take, Lily must dig beyond the beauty she was taught to treasure and find the strength to meet the challenges she faces.

Exclusive Interview with Author Claudia Gray

 Today, I pleased to be sharing with you a recent interview I did with author Claudia Gray. We will be discussing her writing and her newest book The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

After you enjoy getting some unique insights into Claudia and her writing check out my Instagram post for a chance to win one of three copies of this book. (US readers only)

If the above link doesn't work copy and paste https://www.instagram.com/p/C8ThzghOzTz/

Exclusive interview with Author Amanda Dykes

 Today, I'm thrilled to share with you my recent interview with author Amanda Dykes, in which we explore her newest book Born of Gilded Mountains and her writing. 

After you enjoy getting to know Amanda be sure to head over to Instagram and enter the 3-book Giveaway that I'm hosting (Open to US residents only). 

Instagram post link is https://www.instagram.com/p/C8TfdSVudzi/

Author Interview with Gillian Bronte Adams

 Today I have the pleasure of sharing an interview I recently did with Gillian Bronte Adams. She is currently in the midst of releasing her newest series The Fireborn Epic. And if you haven't yet picked up the first book Of Fire and Ash, you have a treat in store. And if you hate waiting for the next book Of Sea and Smoke releases next month!

Thank you, Gillian, for taking time from your busy schedule to answer some questions.  If they are like me, I'm sure my followers will enjoy getting to know you and your writing better.

 1) How long have you been working on this series? I don't   just mean the actual writing, but how long has it been a   part of you, growing in your mind?

  Over ten years now, which feels completely wild to me.        This story came together in two distinct pieces, which is      unusual for me. Back then, I started exploring the idea of    writing the story of an aspiring warrior queen, a female      character who desired to follow in her father’s footsteps      and one day lead her people, when her nation is            suddenly plunged into war, her father is killed in    battle, and she now has to step up and do just   that.

  I was interested in her story, but all of my attempts to          build the world fell flat. There was nothing unique or          fascinating about it, and eventually, I set her story aside      until I could dream up something better. Later that        summer, I was serving as the Head Wrangler at a youth camp, which meant that I was spending every day either in the saddle or running alongside kids as they learned to ride. One evening, I pulled out a notebook and started sketching out ideas for horses with magical abilities—horses who could breathe fire, ride the stormwinds, vanish into shadow, etc. I originally envisioned a western story set in that world, which sounded fun to me, but then I started fiddling with the idea of medieval-era warriors riding those horses, which sounded even better.

But the more I built out the world, the more frustrated I became, because I couldn’t settle on a story that would be epic enough to do it justice. So here I was with a story without a world and a world without a story, and it was still months before it occurred to me to try combining the two just to see what would happen, and years before I felt ready to tackle telling such an epic tale.

2) If you had to pick another format for your books to be shared, what would it be -musical, movie, public readings, serial release(a chapter at a time), or graphic novel?

I would have to say movie, hands down. I think there’s a part of every author who imagines seeing their story on the big screen since that’s how it often exists in our heads, even though the track records of so many book-to-movie adaptations make the idea slightly terrifying. But I think

the scope of The Fireborn Epic, along with the visuals of the different settings and the various magical warhorses, not to mention the intensity of the action sequences, would translate well to the big screen and make for a truly epic movie.

If done by the right director, I agree The Fireborn Epic would make a fantastic movie, on par with LOTR. I personally would love to see all the Solborn in action.

   

3) What one author, past or present, would you like to mentor you? 

Oh, this is a tough question. I can honestly think of so many authors from whom I would love to glean bits of insight on specific elements of storytelling. But if I narrow it down to just one, I think I would have to say J.R.R. Tolkien because he did something so powerful with The Lord of the Rings that has impacted generations of fantasy writers and readers alike. He managed to create a world that you want to live in, which is something that I think we see less of in fantasy today, as stories lean more gritty or dark and worlds become more oppressive. I don’t dislike gritty or dark stories. But even though there is great evil and darkness in Tolkien’s world, his heroes are not just fighting against something; they are fighting for something, for a vision of beauty and of goodness that they have tasted and long to see survive. And it’s something tangible, both for the characters and for us as readers—it’s the Shire, it’s Rivendell, it’s a glimpse of a star high above a smog-choked place—which makes it especially powerful. I would love to have had the chance to talk to Tolkien about that.

I agree that finding hope, even a glimmer of it just beyond the present is what made Toliken's work so powerful. Those pockets of light made the fight worth it.

4) How do develop your setting (a photo, a trip, a random comment)? 

If it’s set in an environment that I have never visited or experienced, I will spend a lot of time searching Google images and videos until I can visualize it in my mind. I’m always looking to pinpoint the specific details that will help ground it in a reader’s senses. The specific sounds associated with a place. The sensations. The scents. The flavor.

At the end of the day, I’m not trying to create something that each reader will be able to visualize with 100% accuracy. I kind of think of it as the difference between realism and abstract art. I’m trying to give splashes of color and flavor and choice details to convey a certain atmosphere and vibe that allows readers to fill in the rest in their minds.

5) If you could share a cup of tea (or coffee) with anyone, who would it be? 

I would love to share a cup of coffee with a reader who has connected deeply with my books. Someone who found a home away from home in my stories with characters who made him/her feel seen. So much of writing is done in isolation. For so long, as a writer, it’s just you and the story and the characters. Then gradually, the circle grows, and beta readers and editors come in to join you. Then it heads out into the world, and readers get to experience the story. But so much of that happens at a distance, and often by that time, you’re already deep into working on the next thing, so any opportunity that arises to see how your story has touched someone else is honestly such a gift!

6) What's one book would you recommend that everyone read? It can be one of yours or someone else's book.  

Fictional book? 

Oh, that’s hard to answer, because people are all so unique and so I think the stories that speak deeply to each person are equally unique. I do think that there is just so much goodness and beauty in The Lord of the Rings that I’d recommend reading the series at least once in a lifetime, if not more. The films are beautiful and wonderful adaptations, and I will forever love them, but there’s so much to the books and to the characters that the films simply can’t capture in a limited run time—even one as long as all three extended films put together.

If we’re talking about one of my books, I’d recommend starting with Of Fire and Ash, just because it’s my current favorite series!

7) Who is your favorite character in your book? And where did you get your names (Ceridwen, Rafi, Finnian, Jakim, Mindar, etc.)

I honestly can’t pick a favorite. Each one of them is very near and dear to my heart in different ways. I love how Ceridwen makes certain female readers feel seen, including myself. I love Rafi’s sense of humor and the way that he learns to value his own unique strengths. I feel Jakim’s trials and his compassionate heart. Finnian, dear Finnian, don’t we all love him? 

But one of my favorite side characters is Markham. He’s gruff and grumpy and his sarcasm and (sometimes harsh) way of speaking the truth is always a surprising element in scenes. Anytime he joins a conversation, things take an interesting turn. He manages to bring things to light about the other characters that I haven’t anticipated, and he does and says thing that often surprise me as the author, which is just so much fun!

Interestingly enough, all of the main characters originally had different names and were once wildly different people (Ceridwen was Gwen, Rafi was Ronin, etc.) But as I discovered each of them and who they actually needed to be, and the cultures and societies that had shaped them, their true names came along with it.

That is interesting. I have to say the names they now have so suit them. I can't imagine them with another name.  

8) Where did the unique characteristics of the different Solborn come from? Did you take
them from the character traits and personalities of horses you've personally known? I've
known a couple who could almost breathe fire and easily be a Fireborn.

Over the years, I’ve gotten to interact with a wide variety of horses (with a wide variety of
personalities), and for several years, I managed a herd of over twenty horses for a summer camp. So for the different breeds of solborn, I drew characteristics from some of our real-world horse breeds (fireborn share some traits with Arabians, earthhewn share some with Percherons, etc.), and I had lots of fodder from my own personal experience for the individual horses.  

Ceridwen’s fireborn, Mindar, is based on my own horse. He has that fiery personality. He’s quick on the turn, a natural sprinter, always prancing and dancing and excited to go. He is a one-person horse who turns into a grumpy old man in the rain, which is honestly just so apropos for a fireborn. Ghost, Rafi’s seablood, is basically the horse version of my dog, Took. So he has my dog’s personality but horse mannerisms. Markham’s shadower, who you’ll get to meet in Of Sea and Smoke, in one of my personal favorite scenes, definitely takes some personality traits from horses I have had the … pleasure … of working with.

I love how wildly unique each horse that I’ve worked with has been, and I think that’s part of why they can bond with specific riders so well!

9) What one question do you wish you would be asked, and how would you answer it?

Sometimes readers ask where is the best place to buy my books to support me as an author, which is just so sweet of them. I’m honestly so happy wherever readers buy my books, whether that’s through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ordering through their local bookstore, or requesting that their library buy them. (I love my library so much!) But nothing gets me quite so excited as getting to sign and personalize books for readers. In the past, this was generally only possible at events, which tend to be few and far between. But this year, I made the leap and opened up an online shop on my website where I can offer signed books and a variety of merch options (like t-shirts and mugs) to readers all year long! It’s been so fun to see orders coming in and to get to package up books to ship out to readers.

I know I got one of the Solborn mugs (Stormer) earlier this year and I just loved the graphic. I had planned on gifting it but decided I needed it instead. I can always get another one to gift at Christmas.

Spotlight ~ The Time Patriot - Hail Mary Pass with Author Q & A and Excerpt

Today, I'm spotlighting Episode 1 from The Time Patriot. Hail Mary Pass 

About the Book:

A Hail Mary Pass - that's what the President of the United States called it.
What are the chances Marc McKnight's time travel team can convince George Washington to
leave his home and travel with them to the year 2037?

Another bloody civil war is imminent in the United States. Political parties are hopelessly divided
and fanning the embers of war. Can the war be prevented if George Washington tells modern
America what the Founding Fathers were trying to achieve?

A Hail Mary Pass. 

A long shot. 

But it's worth a try.

About the Author:

Kim Megahee is a writer, a musician, and a retired IT consultant. His background includes playing in rock bands, teaching high school, and having experience in computer programming,
security, and consulting.

He lives in Gainesville, Georgia, with his soulmate wife Martha and Leo, an incredibly smart and stubborn red-headed toy poodle. In addition to writing, he enjoys reading, playing live music,
and socializing with friends.

Website: https://www.authorkimmegahee.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.kmega

Amazon: http://amzn.to/3OdX8xE

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65138146-the-time-patriot

Excerpt from Chapter Five of
The Time Patriot: Episode 1 – Hail Mary Pass

Before Washington could speak, McKnight and Tyler stepped out of the trees with their sidearms in their hands.

The robbers turned to them as McKnight spoke.

“Release him or you’ll answer to us. This gentleman is our companion and under our protection.”

The robbers spread out and raised their rifles.

“Just the two of you, then?” the leader said. “Not very good odds.”

McKnight whistled, and the rest of the team stepped out of the bushes, weapons trained on the robbers. “I won’t ask again. Lay down your weapons if you want to live.”

The bandits laid down their weapons, but the one named Sam drew a knife, leaped toward Washington, and held the blade to his throat. 

“I think you are the ones who should lie down your weapons. Else, I’ll slice your benefactor’s throat. Your choice.”

McKnight didn’t blink. 

“Hatcher?” he said.

“No shot, sir, I’ll hit the General.”

“Cutty?” 

“I have him, sir. Say the word and I’ll blow his head off.”

“Wait, now wait!” David cried out and stepped forward with his hands out. 

“Hold, Sam!” he said, and pointed at Washington. “Did you call him General? Who is he?” 

Tyler spoke. “That’s General Washington. Did you fight with him during the war?”

Sam stepped away from Washington and dropped his knife.  

“I did,” he said. “I’m sorry, sir.”

The other robbers hung their heads. 

“We all did, sir,” David said, dropping Washington’s sword. “We wouldn’t have attacked if we’d known it was you, sir. We’d sooner starve than hurt you.” 

Several of the others nodded.

Hatcher bounded over and cut the ropes that bound Washington and Lee to the tree, then went to secure the horses.

The general shrugged off the rope fragments, rubbed his wrists and, after a long look at Hatcher, he approached McKnight and Tyler. 

“Sirs, I beg you, please release these men. Their primary crime is being hungry, a common plight in this part of the country. Three of them have already paid with their lives.”

Before they could reply, Washington did a double-take and stared at Tyler’s face.

“Colonel Tyler, isn’t it?” he said. “You look different.” 

Tyler glanced at McKnight and winked with a smile. 

McKnight could almost read his friend’s mind and sense his humor. “I’m a colonel, too.”

“Yes, General Washington. It’s me. May I present—”

“I know,” Washington said. “Colonel McKnight, I presume?”

McKnight was stunned. “How…?”

Washington looked him up and down. 

“You’re not what I expected, sir. I look forward to talking with you, but we have an immediate situation to resolve. What should we do with these men?”

David spoke up. “General Washington, you have our humblest apologies. We’ll accept any punishment you demand. We deserve it.”

Washington looked at McKnight, who gave a slight nod.

“When we were at war,” Washington said, “I had men flogged for stealing.” 

He sighed. 

“The war is over, and I’m a businessman now. I’m not inclined to punish these men. What about you, Colonel McKnight?”

“I’ll leave it to you, General. It’s to your discretion.”

Washington nodded and turned back to the robbers. He walked to David and picked up his sword. He looked him in the eye, then stepped back to address all the bandits.

“I am releasing you to go back to your homes. If I learn you are waylaying people on this trail again, I shall raise a force and come looking for you. I won’t be merciful the second time.”

He approached the leader David again. The man stared at the ground.

Washington spoke in a low voice. 

“Look at me, sir.” 

David raised his face to Washington. Tears flowed down his cheeks.

“These men respect you, David,” Washington said. “You have influence over them. I’m counting on you to keep them on a Christian path. Don’t let them stray.” 

“I will, sir,” he said. “I swear before God I will.”

“Good. Pick up your weapons and go home. Find a better way to survive if you can. If not, come see me at Mount Vernon. Together, we will find a solution.”

David’s men picked up their long guns and walked back uphill to the trail. 

Washington turned his back to them and walked back to McKnight and Tyler. 

McKnight glanced at Wheeler, who nodded and slipped into the brush after the robbers. 

Washington looked at Tyler again. He touched Tyler’s hat and said, “May I?”

“Yes, sir,” Tyler said, and Washington reached forward and lifted his hat from his head. 

“I’ve known you for twenty years now, Colonel, and the last time I saw you, your hairline was receding. Now your hair is full again and the wrinkles on your face are gone. How is this possible?”

“It’s part of a plan, sir,” Tyler said. “It’s what brought us here to this time and place.”

“A plan?” Washington said. “Clearly, there’s more here than I perceive.”

He turned to McKnight.

“So, tell me, Colonel McKnight, what army are you in? What brings you and your men…” He stopped and scanned the faces before him, his eyes resting on Hatcher and Lagunas. “… Your men and women… to these woods?”

“We represent the Army of the United States, sir, and we came here looking for you.”

Washington nodded. “It appears you have found me, Colonel. What can I do for you?”

McKnight laughed. “That we have, sir. We need your help, and if you’ll allow me a few minutes of your time, I’ll explain.” 

Washington looked around and spread out his arms.

“I am at your disposal, Colonel. How can I help?”

Author Q/A

Which was the hardest character to write? The easiest?

The hardest was George Washington—How do you do justice to an American Icon, but show

him as a man with faults like everyone else? The easiest was Marc McKnight, because he’s

partly me and this is my fifth book with him in the lead role.

Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

Mostly from things around me. For example, we recently vacationed in San Antonio and visited

the Alamo. I got an idea for a story about Davy Crockett.

There are many books out there about time travel.... What makes yours different?

Most time travel stories have no limits on the capability of time travel. In my stories, you can

only visit times that are a multiple of 25 years (give or take a week) from the current date. To

me, this adds a bit of urgency to the stories—you have limited time to make things happen. I

think having unlimited possibilities is less interesting.

What advice would you give budding writers?

Write a little every day and read books (or podcasts or videos) about the writing craft.

How long have you been writing?

I started writing around the year 2006, but I wasn’t serious about it. I’d write a few pages every

month or so. There was no urgency and no strong commitment to getting it done. Somewhere

around 2012, I decided to stop fooling around and get it done.

What genre do you write and why?

Science Fiction Time Travel. I’ve always been interested in “what if” stories, alternative history,

or stories that change history.

How are you similar to or different from your lead character?

Marc McKnight is my lead character. We are a lot alike in that we both want to do right things

and we both suffer from self-doubt and spending too much time in hindsight. Other than that,

we’re pretty different.

Exclusive Q and A with Rachel Hauck

Today, I'm pleased to share with you my recent interview with author Rachel Hauck.

1) If you had to pick another format for your books to be shared, what would it be -
musical, movie, public readings, serial release(a chapter at a time like Vella), or
graphic novel? 

RH: So glad you asked! I’ve always thought my Nashville book, “Nashville Dreams,”
should be a Broadway Musical. 

2) Who (or) what is your favorite comfort-read author or genre? 

RH: Believe it or not, I don’t have a fav author or genre. I just love a good, well-
told story. I’ll read romance, chick lit, contemporary, or general fiction, historical,
you name it, well, except fantasy or sci-fi, maybe, but you could convince me, if
the story is appealing.

3) What one author, past or present, would you like to mentor you? 

RH: I’d love to sit at the table with the Inklings, which included C.S. Lewis and Tolkien.
Or perhaps Stratford-on-Odeon which included Hemmingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. I
think writers mentor writers when they talk the craft and business together. The world of
publishing has changed from the Inklings’ days, but the concept of fellowshipping
together is timeless.

4) How do you develop your setting (a photo, a trip, a random comment)? 

RH: Setting is such a key part of every story that I try to use real-life places to set a
story or to base a fictional town. I usually have an idea in my head of what I want a
fictional town to look like then I google similar towns to make sure I have all I need to
make my town seem real.

5) What one book would you recommend that everyone read? 

RH: Of course, everyone should read The Best Summer of Our Lives, but I’d also
recommend Growing In Prayer by Mike Bickle. Prayer is so important, yet it’s a difficult
discipline despite all good intentions. Growing In Prayer sets vision, and gives reasons and
motivations based on Scripture to help Believers grow in prayer. It’s been a game-changer for me.

6) Do you have a favorite author that you would recommend? 

RH: I don’t have favorite authors so much, but I do love a good story. However,
some talented authors I’d recommend are Susan May Warren, Beth Vogt, Melissa
Tagg, Tari Faris and Lisa Jordan. Courtney Walsh is a talented storyteller as well.

7) If you could share a cup of tea (or coffee) with anyone, who would it be? 

RH: I’d love to have tea with the Queen. I know she’s gone now, but if I could, I’d attend
tea with Queen Elizabeth II. Or Princess Katherine. She seems very real.

8) Who is your favorite character (or two) in The Best Summer of Our Lives? 

RH: Ah, that’s like choosing a favorite kid. Since it’s an ensemble cast – four main
characters—I love all of them, but Summer was a favorite. In the end, I wanted to be
her! I also loved Snow. My publisher created a fun survey for readers to see which
Season they were most like and when I took the test, I was the most like Snow. That
really surprised me. Autumn was the big sister of the crew and I’m the “big sister” in my
family, so I related to her. Spring was the beauty queen from a well-off, well-positioned
southern family. While that was so not me, I understood her moral dilemma. I never
faced what she faced, but I could relate to her turmoil.

9) Do you have a favorite book that you have written? If so, why that book?

RH: They’re all favorites in one manner or another, but I’ve always been partial to Softly
and Tenderly with Sara Evans. I’m also a fan of The Best Summer of Our Lives!

10) What do you most like about this genre that you are writing in?  

RH: I’ve kind of morphed through genres, starting with chick lit to romance to split time
to contemporary. I sometimes wish we didn’t have genres but just “good stories.”
(Smile.) I love writing about complex characters who go on a life-changing adventure.
 
11) What one question do you wish you would be asked and how would you answer
it?

RH: When were you born again? I’d answer: November 1967 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. My
father was a youth pastor at a Methodist church and during a Sunday school lesson,
when the teacher told us about Jesus, I knew He was real and true. I don’t remember
her name or face, or what she said that stirred a six-year-old’s conviction, but I went
home and told my mom, “I need Jesus in my heart.” We went to church that night and
when the altar call came – it always did back in those days – I looked up at her like,
“Let’s go.” I knelt at the altar and begged Jesus to forgive me and come into my heart.
And He did! Life changing. I don’t know who, what, or where I’d be today without Him.

Clarissa ~ Review and Author Interview

 

Clarissa Chronicles of the Hudson River Valley #1 By Jean Jacobsen I love historical fiction and often wonder how different my own life would be living within the structures of society and its expectations. Don't get me wrong, it seems on the surface to be a simpler time, with no technology and dresses all day long being the norm. But being forced to marry because, as a woman, you can't work; you must get married or face destitution and ruin. That would be hard. And Clarissa Tanner is faced with just such a fate following the death of her parents. This book follows Clarissa and how she has to take such drastic measures to save her family's home and horse farm. Though I will admit, I would probably have done the same thing for my horses and dogs. But is she willing to marry someone solely to save her home? And what will a marriage of convenience cost her? But to accomplish her goal, she'll need help, and that is where Nicholas Granger comes in. A struggling artist who can help her polish her dance skills and provide a ready escort to both Clarissa and her grandmother, as they enter New York's Social Circle. But like so many things, there is more to Nicholas than is first apparent. And this is where the heart of the story comes in. So find a comfortable corner, have a cup of tea, and take a step back in time. This is a book that fans of clean romance and historical fiction will enjoy. It is one of those books that doesn't require deep thought, just some quiet. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jean Jacobsen's novel offers a beautifully descriptive and immersive portrayal of life in the 1800s, where societal norms dictated much of one's life. She weaves in historical elements that add depth and richness to the narrative. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Book Title: Clarissa: A Clean & Wholesome American Historical Romance by Jean Jacobsen Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 324 pages Genre: Historical Romance Publisher: Jean Jacobsen Release date: Feb 2020 Content Rating: G: Wholesome Book Description: Tragedy brings them together. Will love tear them apart? New York City, 1832. Clarissa Tanner is carefree and lighthearted until the sudden death of her parents. Forced to pay off family debts or lose her horse farm, she's given one choice: auction off her beloved horses or reluctantly enter 1830s New York Society social season to face the dreaded marriage market. Nicholas is a man on a mission, searching for his missing brother. Fearing Liam may be the victim of foul play, Nicholas needs to keep a low profile while conducting his search. He takes a position as a dance instructor, providing refresher lessons to the beautiful but distracted Clarissa. ​Clarissa and Nicholas find a connection through grief and movement as they fight their attraction to one another. Will they give in to their desires and find true love or will family obligations keep them apart? Buy the Book: Amazon  Bookbub ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meet the Author: Jean Jacobsen is an award-winning storyteller of Sweet, Historical Romance. Featuring strong female characters, roguish heroes, and 19th Century adventure tales. She pens stories that transcend the heart and always have a happy ending. Because of Jean’s deep passion for history, she includes real events from the time period, making her stories come to life as they transport you to a by-gone era. Join her on the next adventure. Connect with the author: website ~ Facebook ~ Bookbub ~ Goodreads ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Author Q and A with Jean Jacobsen Q-What advice would you give to aspiring historical romance writers? A- My advice would be to read as much as you can in the genre and to do your research. There's so much history to explore, and the more you know, the better your writing will be. Also, don't be afraid to take risks and try new things. The best stories come from taking chances and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Q- How do you approach writing strong and independent female characters in a historical setting? A- The characters must be believable, not subservient. They each have their own personality. Q-What is your writing process like? A- I usually start with an idea or a character, and then I do a lot of research. I read books, watch movies, and visit museums to get a sense of the time and place. Then I start drafting, and I revise and edit until I'm happy with the story. I try to write every day, even if it's just for a few minutes. Q-What do you think sets your books apart from other historical romances? A- I think what sets my books apart is the focus on adventure and action. I love a good romance as much as the next person, but I also want my readers to be on the edge of their seats, wondering what's going to happen next. I try to balance the romance with plenty of excitement and danger. Q- Can you share a sneak peek or hint about any future projects you are working on? A- “Liam,” a story about a missing brother in the Hudson River Valley, is straight out of the first book, “Clarissa.” He called to me to tell his story, which is quite an adventure of a treasure hunt and so much more! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tour Schedule: ​May 8 – Cover Lover Book Review– book spotlight / guest post / giveaway May 8 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway May 9 – Liese's Blog – book spotlight May 10 - FUONLYKNEW - book spotlight / author interview  giveaway May 11 – Character Madness and Musings – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway May 12 – Book Corner News and Reviews - book review / giveaway ​May 12- Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway May 15 – MacKade – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway May 15 - Splashes of Joy - book review / giveaway May 16 – @regallywritten– book spotlight / giveaway May 17 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway May 18 – Celticlady's Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway May 19 – mamof9 – book spotlight May 19 - Diane’s Book Journal - book spotlight May 22 - Older & Smarter? – book review / author interview / giveaway May 22 – Novels Alive – book spotlight / giveaway May 22– Novels Alive – book review  May 23 – Sandra's Book Club – book review May 23 - Locks, Hooks and Books - book review / giveaway May 24 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / guest post / giveaway May 25 – Blooming with Books - book review / author interview / giveaway May 26 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway May 26 - Bizwings Book Blog – book review / giveaway May 26 - History from a Woman’s Perspective – book spotlight Enter the Giveaway: