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!!