June's Author of the Month: Jennifer Delamere

So-long Spring, hello Summer! Whenever June arrives I always think of that song from Carousel: "June is bustin' out all over!" Doesn't it feel that way?
Well, May was fabulous and it was a thrill to feature Dee! And this month I have another marvelous author to introduce to you. Please give a warm round of applause to the fabulous-- Jennifer Delamere! (I'm yelling her name like Oprah right now... *teehee*)

Jennifer has written a fabulous book, An Heiress at Heart and you can read my review, if'n you haven't already. It's an amazing story and I know that you will love it! It has even been nominated for a RITA award, and in case you didn't know...that's kind of a big deal. *wink* Jennifer's second book A Lady Most Lovely comes out in September and I can't wait to spend all night reading it! (PS, these books are in a series, so I'm bettin' there's a third book on the way as well, but I could be wrong.)

But why am I blabbering on? Let's get to the interview! Heeeeeeere's Jennifer!:

I'm so excited about having you as the author of the month in June! Here are a few questions that I want to ask you: First of all, tell us about Jennifer!! Please include something funny/fun about yourself!

Thank you so much for having me on your blog! As for information about me.... I have a “day” job as an editor of educational materials for public and private school systems. I’ve been a proofreader/editor of business materials for many years. About 5 years ago, I decided I wanted to try my hand at writing fiction. I can be a lot more creative than at my job, that’s for sure! An Heiress at Heart is my first novel.

I also love romantic comedy films. I’ve actually studied screenwriting, and I’ve written several screenplays. They are set in the present day, but I might try my hand at a historical one day.

Your novel is wonderful! Where did you get the idea for such a fabulous plot! Was it fun to write?

Thank you! For years I’ve been fascinated with stories about a person who steps into another person’s shoes and tries to live their life. This probably began when I saw the French film The Return of Martin Guerre. (It was later made into the American film Somersby.) Movies like While You Were Sleeping and Monte Carlo are in that mold, too. I think I’m so intrigued by these stories because of the lovely irony that in the end, each character actually discovers their true self. They discover that who they are is better than anyone they could pretend to be. I enjoyed writing this book, not only because I love the characters, but because I actually love the research. I discover so many fascinating tidbits and real-life events that I work into my plots.

Three things you like most in life are (and why): (for example, lemonade on a warm summer evening, listening to Nat King Cole...etc)

1. Classic musicals from stage and screen. I can never get enough of the greats like An American in Paris, Singin’ in the Rain, My Fair Lady, South Pacific, Camelot....

2. Listening to a great book on audio. As a writer who also has a “day job,” my reading time is limited! I love listening to audiobooks on my way to and from work. The novel North and South, by Elizabeth Gaskell, is one of my all-time favorites. It has many Christian themes that weren’t in the BBC mini-series (which I loved, nonetheless!), and the narrator Juliet Stephenson does all the accents perfectly.

3. Hiking and downhill snow skiing, which I’ll classify as one thing because they both involve adventure in the great outdoors. I love being out in nature where I can enjoy God’s handiwork firsthand, and a good physical challenge is a welcome change of pace from writing and desk work.

What is your favorite bible scripture?

It’s hard to pick one, of course, although if pressed I’d say it is Ephesians 3:20: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.”  It reminds me that God not only answers our prayers when we believe, but that He does it super abundantly and in ways that are often different (and better!) than we expect. That’s a theme that runs through all my books.

What historical romance novels own the top spot on your shelf?

Wow, that’s a tough one to answer! I enjoy reading a wide range of historical romances. Two of my favorite mainstream romances are Love in the Afternoon, by Lisa Kleypas, and The Mischief of the Mistletoe, by Lauren Willig (I’ll mention for those that prefer books without graphic love scenes that Willig’s book is “PG”). For inspirational historical romance, I enjoyed The Apothecary’s Daughter by Julie Klassen. I also loved The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck—it alternates between historical and present day, but I think it still qualifies as a historical romance.

Thanks again for having me! I’d love to mention too that I enjoy hearing from readers. My email address is Jennifer@jenniferdelamere.com. I’m also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jennifer.delamere, and on Twitter: @JenDelamere.


Here's a cool bio:
The youngest child of a Navy pilot and a journalist, Jennifer acquired a love of adventure and an excitement for learning that continues to this day. She’s lived in three countries and traveled throughout the United States. Her debut novel An Heiress at Heart was chosen by Grand Central Publishing to be the first inspirational romance for their Forever imprint. An Heiress at Heart has also been nominated for the Romance Writers of America 2013 RITA award—the highest award for romance fiction. A Lady Most Lovely, the second book in the Love’s Grace trilogy, will be released in September 2013. She loves reading classics and histories, which she mines for the vivid details to bring to life the people and places in her books. She resides with her husband in North Carolina—where, when not writing or dreaming up romantic adventures for her characters, she can be found fantasizing about her next ski trip or European vacation. For more information about Jennifer’s books, blog, and mailing list, visit www.jenniferdelamere.com.


Isn't she fun?!?! I have had a blast getting to know you, Jennifer, thank you so very much for being on my blog, and I can't wait to read your next novel, I know everyone will love it! Thank you for sharing your gift and uplifting us all with your great stories!

Now, for those of you who are interested, Jennifer has offered to GIVEAWAY a copy of An Heiress at Heart in paperback AND as an audio version, how cool is that?!?! Can you say awesome? So, please tell your friends, spread the word, etc. To be entered you must follow my blog and/or FB page and leave your email along with your comment. Tell me if you've read Jennifer's book--I'd love to hear what you thought about it! Now, I'm trying this new-fangled thing called rafflecopter. All the cool blogs are doing it so I thought I would give it a try. *heehee* What do you think about it--do you like it?! I think it's pretty cool...so far I've been picking winners the good 'ol fashioned way and it's worked fine since I don't get too many entries.... so tell me what you think about this, and if it works or doesn't work, etc.



<a id="rc-106c5f1" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/106c5f1/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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a Rafflecopter giveaway God bless you all and have a wonderful "June"!
Happy Reading!!

A Vote of Confidence

I'll cast in my vote for this story. *teehee* (I couldn't help myself.)

Book rating: Up All Night'er

As you know, I like Hatcher's stories. They don't have the typical drama-dripping, edge-of-your-seat kind of romantic tension that I typically devour, but they have a simple charm that I enjoy.

This is one of the stories in the Sisters of Bethlehem series, and it has the least amount of "excitement" per se, however the characters were likable and the Christian message was very sweet.

Gwen Arlington is a kind, independent woman living in the quaint town of Bethlehem Springs. She teaches piano and writes for the local newspaper--and she's happy with the quiet life she leads--until she feels God calling her to...run for mayor!! And in 1915, that's going to be a challenge!

Morgan McKinley needs to finish his health spa--and he's sick of the delays! Running for mayor is sure to help him with his dilemma.

Now, can you see where the conflict is gonna come in? *wink* It's great fun and I'm sure you will like it, too. This isn't the kind of story that will absorb you shoes-and-all, but it is something you can fly through pretty quick.

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

Stealing the Preacher

THIS is why I read Christian fiction!!!

Book Rating: Best of the Best

Every time I read a Karen Witemeyer book I love it. I'm pretty sure that happens to you too, am I right? Yeah, I knew it--I'm right. *wink*

This story will capture you from the beginning and hold you through all 347 magnificent pages. I have to say that the even though the romance was marvelous, the characters unforgettable and the plot effortless--it was the Christian messages throughout the book that I will never forget!! I got choked up several times--and I'm not the kind that gets teary eyed at a Tide commercial, if you know what I mean....OK, well, maybe I am, but still.... *teehee* Also, there was no "preachiness" about it at all either, in case you were wondering. It all flowed so beautifully and felt so natural--that's one of the reasons I loved it so much.

Joanna needs a preacher because her ex-outlaw father needs God--and she's made a vow to help him find salvation. But she can't do it alone. So when Crockett Archer is "escorted" to her home she is horrified, but at the same time, she can't believe her luck. Or is it God's doing that brought Brother Archer as an answer to her prayers?

Crockett (and for those of you who read Karen's previous novel SHORT-STRAW BRIDE, Crockett is one of the brothers, as you may remember...) has an appointment he simply can't miss--so when he's kidnapped from the train he can only pray that he will get away in time! However, he never expected his kidnapper's daughter to be so sweet, faithful, strong and beautiful--and to make such a powerful request.

From the beginning, I felt the Spirit of God through this story, and I LOVED all the messages of faith, trust, and redemption. The love of God is evident in this novel--and I would read it again in a second! The characters are so real and story SO easy to read, and if I was a bettin' person, I would be willing to bet you will love this book as well.

Are you interested in a GIVEAWAY?! Of course, you are. Smart girl. *wink* Karen has offered to giveaway her latest book! How spantabulous is that?! So, if you want to be entered, you must be a follower of my blog or FB page and leave a comment (with your email) telling me what your favorite Witemeyer book is and why! Sound good?! OK, good! (Shipping to US addresses only.) Please share this with your family and friends as well!! The drawing will be on Friday.

This magnificent story comes out June 1, so if yer itchin' to get this into your cute little 'ol hands you oughtta pre-order it right now. You won't regret it. I promise. *big grin*



Happy Reading!
Buy it!

It Happened at the Fair

It was the best of books, it was the best of books. (hee hee hee, you didn't expect me to say "best" again, did you?)

Book Rating: Up All Night'er

What a way to come back from vacation! After a "blog" and "book" hiatus while I was out of town, I returned to my favorite past-time and oh, how I'd missed it! This book was a great way to get back into the swing 'o things, if ya know what I'm sayin'. Have you read it? OK, then you know what I'm talking about.

I know you are curious why I could rate this an "Up All Night'er" when I said it was a "best" book. Here, let me explain.

First of all, I believe there are three main characters in this book, not just two: the hero, the heroine and the setting--the fair. I've never really read any other book quite like this one. At first, it took me a long time to warm to the "third" main character because at times it seemed as though it was trying stealing the show. There is SO much detail and SO much history that it pert near (say that with a cowboy accent) overwhelmed me. But, as I got used to it, I realized that it was as much a living part of the story as Cullen (hero) and Della (heroine) are, and without it, the story would be only mildly entertaining.

On that note, for me, as much as I thoroughly enjoyed this story--I really did--I also found myself kinda bored a lot of the time. Cullen is a great hero, and he comes to life, but something about him left me wanting. The same thing can be said about Della. She is a sweet and truly lovable heroine, but how come I didn't reeeeeaaaaallllly get to know her? And where was the conflict? OK, there was conflict, but not a ton. There were some good rescues--you know how I loves those--and some good action etcetera, but there didn't seem to be enough conflict to keep the story moving forward. And yet, I still wanted to keep reading!! I had to know what was going to happen next! Weird, huh?

This is a beautifully simple story, about two lovely people who are simply trying to do their best and follow their hearts. You won't be disappointed if you read it--even if you only read it from a purely historical standpoint.

Beware! If you are like me, and you expect good kisses to be mingled through the book you will be disappointed. There is nothing until the end! So, that's a bummer. But, there is a great ending to the story--Dee never let's her readers down in that respect.

Lastly, there is no real Christian message. She mentioned scripture and God here and there, but there could have been GREAT and even powerful messages used with these characters, but for some reason there was nothing and I must say that alone forced me to rate it lower then I would have liked.

In the end, would I read it again? I'm not sure. Would you?! At any rate, you have to read it once!

Happy Reading!
Buy it!