If you shop through my Amazon link for anything, I'll earn a small percentage. Thank you so much. :) Christian Books and Bibles

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Interview & Giveaway!! Jennifer Delamere ~ An Heiress at Heart!!

Jennifer Delamere is here today with an interview and has included a giveaway (details below!). :)



Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Jennifer!! Will you tell us a little about yourself?

Thank you! I’m glad to be here!

I was raised in a military family, so we moved a lot when I was young. It was a habit that continued with me for several years after college. I have been happily settled in North Carolina for a while now, but I still enjoy traveling. Like many writers, I have a “day job” too. I’m an editor of educational materials for standardized school testing.

What is your book, An Heiress at Heart, about?

The book is set in 1851 London. Lizzie Poole is a woman with a dark past who masquerades as a missing heiress in order to discover the truth about her own identity. Unfortunately, she finds herself falling in love with Geoffrey Somerville, the one man that her new identity prevents her from marrying. If she confesses the truth, they could be together--but Lizzie is sure that once Geoffrey learns about her deception he will no longer love her.

Geoffrey has weighty problems of his own. He’s a clergyman who suddenly finds himself elevated to a peer of the realm—he inherits a barony when his two older brothers die. He is dealing with the heartbreak of losing his brothers as well as the pressures of a position he never wanted. On top of all these things, he finds himself attracted to Lizzie, the woman he thinks is his brother’s widow! The circumstances put both of them in a terrible moral bind.

What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you?

I love the old Hollywood musicals. They were so uplifting and fun, and the tunes kept you humming long afterward. As a kid I took jazz and tap lessons so I could mimic what I saw in the movies.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I wrote short stories and kept a diary when I was in school, and by the time I got to college I decided that what I really wanted to do was write screenplays! I studied film and dabbled in writing while I pursued “real” jobs. Then one day I found a book on screenwriting by Blake Snyder called Save the Cat!  It was charming and funny (as you can guess from the title), and best of all it completely demystified the process of how to construct a ripping good story.

Shortly after reading that book, I took a vacation day from work just to contemplate how I might seriously pursue a writing career. In retrospect I can see that I was following the Biblical admonition to “ponder the paths of thy feet.” Certainly there was prayer involved. On that particular day I went to Blake’s website and discovered he was going to present his plotting workshop in Charleston, South Carolina, in just over a week’s time! I couldn’t believe it! Instead of me having to go to California, here was his workshop an easy half-day’s drive from my home. I knew I had to drop everything and sign up. Happily, my husband agreed with me. We had no idea what might be in store, but we both saw this as a tremendous answer to prayer. When I got there, I discovered that every other attendee was a member of Romance Writers of America, and most were published authors. They introduced me to RWA, and the rest, as they say, is history.

How many books have you written/published and do you have a favorite?

An Heiress at Heart is my first published novel, so I’m awfully partial to it! I am currently working on the next book in the series and enjoying the thrill of falling in love with a new set of characters.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Like many writers, I can’t seem to write unless I’ve got a cup of coffee at hand! Also, I have to snack just before writing a particularly tough scene. Somehow it energizes me for the writing. (Wreaks havoc on my diet, though!)

Where do you like to write?

The big leather chair in my living room is a great place to settle in with my laptop and coffee.

What is the best and/or worst part about being a writer?

It’s exciting to brainstorm these stories and see the characters come to life as I write. With the release of my first book, it has been a thrill to meet readers and see their positive reactions to my book. The only real downside is that since I have a “day” job I often have to give up other things I’d like to do in order to keep to my writing deadlines.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

In the evenings when I’m not writing I enjoy reading or occasionally watching something on Netflix. By day, my husband and I enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and snow skiing. We are also very active in our local Christian fellowship.

Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet?

I’d love to visit Greece. One of my favorite authors is Mary Stewart, and many of her classic novels are set there. The way she described the countryside really makes me want to see it. While there I would love to go over to Turkey long enough to see the ancient ruins of Ephesus, which was once a magnificent city and which is described in the Book of Acts as a place where the Word of God lived so powerfully for a time.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

Ephesians 3:20: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”  God not only answers our prayers when we believe, but He does it super abundantly and in ways that are often different (and better!) than we expect.

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?

My favorite movie is Singin’ in the Rain. One of my favorite songs is an old Gershwin standard called “Our Love Is Here to Stay.” It’s simple, tender, and romantic—especially as performed by Gene Kelly in An American in Paris. My favorite hymn is “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” It’s a wonderful reminder of God’s love and care for us.

What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving. I love that it’s a time when people of all religions pause and count their blessings. On a less spiritual note, it’s also the time when I start looking forward to winter, because I love downhill skiing!

A few this-or-that questions:

Snowstorms or Thunderstorms?

Snowstorms! Especially if I can spend it in a cozy cabin with a book and anticipate skiing in soft powder once the sun comes out.

Tea or Coffee?

I love both, but I usually drink coffee.

Call or Text?

Call. I have a “dumb phone” with no keyboard for texting!

Early-bird or Night-owl?

A not-too-early bird. I don’t get up at the crack of dawn, but I am definitely my best in the mornings.

Cats or Dogs?

Cats. Our black cat Scout has a great personality--a wonderful blend of independence and friendliness.

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?

I’m working on the next book in the Love’s Grace trilogy, A Lady Most Lovely, which will be out next year. Readers will recognize some characters from An Heiress at Heart. It has as its central plot a marriage of convenience, which is one of my favorite kinds of stories.

Thank you so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web? 

I love Twitter! My Twitter handle is @JenDelamere. I also have a Facebook page, which has been a great place for longer chats with readers (www.facebook.com/jennifer.delamere). Readers can also find updates about my books and blog appearances on my website: www.jenniferdelamere.com/news .

Thank you for having me here today!

Book Giveaway!!


Enter to win a copy of An Heiress at Heart by Jennifer Delamere! Open Internationally! Enter via the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

70 comments:

  1. Since i discovered you and your books thanks to anna a few days i can't wait to discover your book so thank you a lot for this opportunity to win it and for opening it to international too.
    i really appreciateµ

    thank you and happy holidays

    ReplyDelete
  2. Looks like a really good story! Congrats on getting your first published novel!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have never heard of this book before but it sounds good and the cover is gorgeous! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful cover, this is one for my daughter. Thank you for hosting this giveaway.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  5. This sounds just like my type of book! Thanks for the intro to a new author.

    Patty

    ReplyDelete
  6. Snow Skiing sounds awesome! I haven't even seen snow yet! Your book sounds great. I have a question, why Historical Romance? Would you want to write about another gender in the future?
    Thank you for doing an international giveaway. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Skiing is the only sport (apart from hiking) that I actually enjoy and can do well. Plus, the views from the lifts of snow-covered mountains and valleys are usually magical, especially on a sunny day when the snow sparkles. As for writing in another genre, I have in mind a contemporary series set at (you guessed it) a Colorado ski resort! I'd love to write that someday soon.

      Delete
    2. That would be great! I only can imagine those views. I guess they are gorgeous. Happy Holidays! :)

      Delete
  7. The dilemma in the description sounds priceless! Would love to read it.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I've never heard of this author. sounds like a nice book I'd love to read. thanks

    ReplyDelete
  9. This sounds wonderful! Christmas blessings to you and your family this holiday season!
    rayptc(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  10. This looks like a great book! Congratulations, Jennifer on your first book to be published, and thanks for the neat giveaway and interview!
    Bethany

    ReplyDelete
  11. arf i thoughi did comment already

    i just wanted to tell you that i'm really glad to have discovered you and your book and i would be very delighted to win it

    thank you so much for offering this opportunity to international too

    happy holidays!

    ReplyDelete
  12. love this interview and i enjoyed it. Can't wait to read this book.

    ReplyDelete
  13. No need to enter me, but I just wanted to throw in my support for the author and her new book! I really enjoyed it and I definitely recommend it. I am looking forward to A Lady Most Lovely!
    Thanks for the interview, Melanie!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marie, thanks so much for your kind words! I'm so glad you enjoyed the book.

      Delete
  14. Enter me this book looks like a great read!!
    Sharon Richmond
    Blanch,NC.
    sharonruth126@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love the interview! I am a not too early bird myself.

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have "An Heiress at Heart" on my To-Read shelf and am excitingly waiting to read it. Am even more interested now that I read this interview! :) Can't wait to see Jennifer's other books as well.
    Thanks for this giveaway!! :)
    -Shantelle

    ReplyDelete
  17. Looks like and intreseting book! Love the cover!
    E.Kate

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'd like to read the book. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.

    alegnab at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. What an interesting plot! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Many thanks to all of you for the lovely comments -- I hope you enjoy AN HEIRESS AT HEART! And many thanks to Melanie for hosting me here today!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I would love to read this.

    ReplyDelete
  22. This sounds like a good book to read.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I enjoyed the interview. It was nice to meet a new author. Jennifer, your first book sounds intriguing and I'd love to read it!
    may_dayzee(AT)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  24. What a lovely cover! An Heiress at Heart sounds very interesting, thanks for the interview and giveaway.

    -Janella

    ReplyDelete
  25. The cover is wonderful. I can usually tell if I will like a book by its' cover. Hope your Holidays are very blessed. Thanks for the chance to win this lovely book.

    ReplyDelete
  26. This looks like a lovely read. :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Jennifer you are a new author to me and I'd love to win a copy of An Heiress at Heart. This book sounds so good! Thanks for your interview and this giveaway!

    Blessings!
    Judy
    judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Wow Jennifer, I have never read any of your books, but if I can judge this one by its cover I am going to love it! Thanks for a great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Sounds like a great read!! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Sounds like a great read and the cover is beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Wow, I love the cover! I can't wait to read A Heiress at Heart. :D

    Thanks for the interview and giveaway! :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. I do believe your book is for sale in the store I work at :)

    Gorgeous cover!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thank you for the chance to win this book.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Sounds fantastic! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks for the giveaway!!

    mestith@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. This book sounds great. Thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thank you for the wonderful interview. I would love to read this one. Thanks for having the give-a-way.
    godblessamerica.jan(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Ephesians 3:20 is a Bible verse that I like, too.
    awhartness@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Sounds like a must read! Great interview.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Oh, this sounds so good. I'm such a sucker for historicals and that cover is gorgeous.

    Thanks for this giveaway!

    inspiringdaring (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Look forward to reading this book.Thank you for the chance to win it .

    ReplyDelete
  43. Love historical romance. Thanks for the chance.
    magic5905 at embarqmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. An Heiress at Heart sounds wonderful, I love the mystery and the romance.
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Fantastic giveaway!! I would love to win !! Thanks so much for chance!!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I would love to win!!
    Thanks for the giveaway and God Bless!!
    Sarah Richmond
    sarahrichmond.12@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. sounds a great book, thanks for the chance to win and read this book

    ReplyDelete
  48. This sounds like a great book and the sequel sounds intriguing as well!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thanks for this great giveaway.. I love historical romances.>:D

    ReplyDelete
  50. I am an Heiress at Heart also. I think that sounds like a wonderful book! Thank you once again for offering these giveaways!

    ReplyDelete
  51. This sounds so good! I love the storyline. shopgirl152nykiki@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. Love to meet new authors and their books and this looks like a good story, thanks for sharing about yourself and the book. would like to read this one.

    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

    ReplyDelete
  53. This sounds like an interesting book! =)

    ReplyDelete
  54. I didn't know that this imprint put out inspirationals! Sounds like a great book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is the first for Grand Central's Forever line. They are looking to offer more in the future. Thanks for your interest!

      Delete
  55. This sounds like a fun read! Thank you for the opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Thank for this giveaway!!!! the book looks amazing

    ReplyDelete
  57. This is the first time I've heard of "An Heiress at Heart", but now I can't wait to read it! It sounds right up my alley. (Don't feel bad about you "dumb phone". I don't have texting, either). ;)

    ReplyDelete
  58. Book looks interesting and I would love to win for the school's library collection.

    ReplyDelete
  59. This book sounds very interesting and like it would be fun to read. Here's is hoping to win!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  60. I love to discover new authors. Would love to win this book. Hope you have a blessed new year.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I love the cover and I'm a huge fan of historical romance! Count me in!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment - I love reading them! Comments are moderated and I reserve the right to not publish any comment that I find to be offensive (i.e. foul language, inappropriate content, etc.) or spam.

Thanks for stopping by and for commenting! =)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ~ Philippians 4:8

Some of the links in my blog posts, tweets, social media posts, etc. contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.
Powered by Blogger.