Can a sliver of hope lead to everlasting love?Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of North by Starlight, by Diane and David Munson, is:
littleronm@...
Congratulations! We'll get your book right out to you. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to learn about new releases! U.S. subscribers are entered in the drawings a second time when they comment.
And now let's meet novelist Jennifer Hallmark, author of the contemporary southern novel, Jessie’s Hope (Firefly Southern Fiction, June 2019).
Jennifer Hallmark writes Southern fiction and her website, Alabama-Inspired Fiction, and the group blog, Inspired Prompt, she co-founded, focus on her books, love of the South, and helping writers. She’s published 200+ internet articles and interviews, short stories in magazines, and has co-authored three book compilations. Jennifer sold her first novel to Firefly Southern fiction (an imprint of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) with a release date of June 2019. She also signed with Cyle Young of the Hartline Literary Agency. Jennifer sends out a monthly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here.
Jennifer and her husband, Danny, have spent their married life in Alabama and have a basset hound, Max. When she isn't babysitting or gardening, you can find her at her desk writing fiction or working on one of her two blogs. She also loves reading detective fiction from the Golden Age and viewing movies like Lord of the Rings or Star Wars. Sometimes you can even catch her watching American Ninja Warrior.
Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.
For twenty years, my husband and I owned two different chicken farms and raised more than a million chickens.
Yikes. That doesn't sound like a small undertaking!
Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Jessie's Hope.
Jessie is a young woman who, at the age of ten, lost her mother and her mobility in an accident. Shortly after, her father walked away also. She is now twenty years old and getting ready to marry. She wants to find her father and peace before the wedding.Her grandparents, who’ve raised her, are struggling to find the resources to provide her with a wedding and a dress that they think will make up for the past.
While planning for her wedding in the middle of tornado season, Jessie discovers weather isn’t the only obstacle to living happily ever after. What happens when a wedding, an absent father, and weather collide?
What is it about Jessie that will make your readers care about her?
Her bravery and unselfishness. Jessie never gives up, though at times she is tempted. She also struggles with worry and insecurity like many of us do.
Yes, it sounds like she has to overcome many obstacles, even as a child. That can lead to either strong or weak character, so for her to exhibit bravery and unselfishness is inspiring.
What novel would you like to see brought to film?
My favorite novel, Rooms, by James L. Rubart. The tagline is “What would you find if you walked into the rooms of your soul?” Doesn’t that sound like the makings of a great movie?
Definitely. Jim always comes up with such interesting ideas for his novels!
What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?
To Kill a Mockingbird. A classic Southern fiction novel, the story grips you from page one and doesn’t let go. I really enjoyed it.
I agree. Such an excellent book and noble character, despite the controversy stirred with Go Set a Watchman.
What are you working on now?
I’m editing the second book in the series after Jessie’s Hope. The story is about the antagonist in book one, Angeline Springer. She a completely different personality type than Jessie and I’m having a lot of fun writing her character.
Where else can readers find you online?
www.jenniferhallmark.com
www.inspiredprompt.com
Jennifer Hallmark, Facebook
My June Blog Tour Giveaway Extravaganza (June 10th-June 30th)
Prizes include:
• $25 Amazon Gift Card
• $10 Starbucks Gift Card
• Print copy of Jessie’s Hope
• 2 Kindle copies of Jessie’s Hope
Giveaway details: Go to my Rafflecopter page to enter and possibly win one of five prizes to be drawn by Rafflecopter. Winners will be revealed on the author’s blog on July 1st. You can only enter by visiting my June blog tour from June 10th until June 30th. My visits include:
June 13th-Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud/Jennifer Slattery
June 14th-Favorite Friday Fiction/Me
June 15th-Inspired Prompt/Betty Thomason Owens
June 17th-Author Trish Perry/Trish Perry
June 17th-Southern Writers Magazine
June 18th-Author Liz Tolsma/Liz Tolsma
June 19th-Inspired Prompt/Betty Thomason Owens
June 21st-Snark & Sensibility/Linda Rondeau
June 24th-Fear Warrior/Jerusha Agen
June 24th-June Foster/June Foster
June 25th-Trumpet Tuesdays/Julie Arduini
June 26th-Seriously Write/Sandra Ardoin
June 28th-Heartfelt, Homespun fiction/Cynthia Herron
June 29th-The Write Conversation/Edie Melson
Live links to the above blog pages are provided here.
The book can be purchased online via the following button.
Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?
Bullying versus kindness is such a big issue at this time, especially with people who differ from others. How do you react to people who may struggle with physical or other types of challenges?
Thanks, Jennifer, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your novel. Readers, Jennifer has offered to give away a free copy of her book. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to her question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that U.S. subscribers are entered an additional time in each drawing. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.
Only United States residents are eligible for the drawing, but anyone can subscribe to the blog posts via the GDPA-compliant Feedblitz box above my list of books, at right.
Also readers, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post title.
Remember, if you'd like information on additional new releases, check out Christian Book Heaven, an email newsletter for Christian book deals in whatever genres you select. You can subscribe here: ChristianBookHeaven
Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer, GDPA notice, and my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE
15 comments:
Thanks for letting me drop by, Trish!
My pleasure, Jennifer!
Roll Tide! I’m from Tuscaloosa. Where do you live in Alabama?
My brother had back surgery that left him paralyzed from the waist down. He has had many physical and health issues since. I’m more cognizant of people with physical or mental disabilities as I’ve gotten older and young folks have no clue. They can be extremely cruel. Sometimes I think maybe they lash out because of their own insecurities. I would love to read and review your book. Thanks for the chance.
tumcsec(at)gmail(dot)com
Gail Hollingsworth
Jennifer, I can’t wait for my copy of Jessie's hope to arrive tomorrow! I love To Kill a Mockingbird, too - my all-time fave. I taught it for 14 years when I had freshmen. I retired this year and a former student (now English teacher/colleague) gave me a t-shirt advertising Atticus Finch, attorney at law, Maycomb County, Alabama. :)
I'm a grandma of 5 beautiful grandchildren.. Tina
Hello, Gail! I live way up in the Northwest corner of our fair state, near the Shoals area. And yes, people don't always know how to treat people who are physically or mentally challenged. Thanks for saying "hi!"
Hi, Karen. I would love to have a t-shirt like that. Lol. Thanks for ordering my book. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing the story...
Hi, Teena! Aren't grandchildren a blessing? Thanks for dropping by...
In answer to your question, Jennifer, my sister was born with a mind sharp as a tack, wonderful artistic qualities, a great sense of humor, and a kind heart. But she was also born with significant physical challenges. She was a few years older than I, so my entire youth was spent in awareness of how difficult physical challenges could make one's life. You're right, Gail, kids can be very cruel. I've tried to pass along to my kids and grandkids the compassion that comes from loving someone who struggles with limitations they had no hand in creating. There is no place in God's plan for bullying.
That's so true, Trish. I don't know why people tend to look at the outer limitations instead of the inner beauty of each person.
Hello Jennifer I always tried to let my children and grandchildren know it is not right to bully anyone! Thank you for such an amazing post! SARAHTAYLOR601973(at)YAHOO(dot)COM
Sarah, I'm glad people are discussing bullying with children. I believe it will help the next generation. I appreciate you stopping by!
I always treat others as I would like to be treated! I grew up with an Aunt that is mentally behind, but is sweet as can be.
Who doesn't love having an adult that liked the same things they liked as a child? It was her Laura Ingalls series I borrowed and read as a child. I also have taught my children to treat others kindly, and must be doing pretty well, as my 9 year old stood up to a classmate who was making fun of autistic children. It broke my heart to hear that this child thought they were being funny by doing so, but my son told him not to do it, and that he wasn't funny and he should never do it again. My son came home and was so upset by it he cried as he told us what happened. Hopefully my son was a good example to that boy that what he was doing was not funny. Fun prize pack, and I enjoy checking your book out Jennifer!
LLWaltz [at] gmail [dot] com
Wow. It's great that he stood up for others at such a young age, Laura. Thanks for stopping by!
Laura, you have a real gem there in your son. So great to read about strong, kind kids.
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