A USA Today Best-Selling Author, Jen Turano has written the critically acclaimed Ladies of Distinction series, and A Class of Their Own series, published through Bethany House Publishers. Her novel, After a Fashion, was chosen as a top pick from Romantic Times, as well as being named a top ten romance of 2015 from Booklist.Β It is also a nominee for Romantic Times 2015 Reviewersβ Choice Award. Her book, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, was chosen as a top ten romance by Booklist in 2013. Her seventh book, Playing the Part, released in the spring of 2016, and will be followed by a new four-book series, Apart from the Crowd. When sheβs not writing, Jen spends her time outside of Denver with her husband and neurotic Cattle Dog, enjoying herself as an empty-nester since her son recently abandoned her for the college life. She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/ or visit her on the web at www.jenturano.com. She is represented by the Natasha Kern Literary Agency. Her books may be found in fine bookstores, or follow the Baker House Publishing link to find additional places to purchase her work β http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/authors/jen-turano/1761
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Welcome back to the blog, Jen. I’m so excited to have you here today. Congratulations on your upcoming release, Out of the Ordinary. What a fun cover!
Thank you so much for having me, Savanna! Iβm delighted to be here.
What do YOU love most about this story?
I adore Mr. Harrison Sinclair, the hero of βOut of the Ordinary.β Heβs just such a man, trying to muddle his way through life, surrounded by women he simply does not understand. He was simply a riot to write.
Did you come up with the title? If not, can you share with us the previous title you had picked?
Curious as this is going to seem, I donβt come up with any of my titles. In all honesty, Iβm awful at it. Fortunately, my editor is fabulous at coming up with unique ideas, so she came up with this title. The only input I normally give is a theme or a word. For this one, Miss Gertrude Cadwallader believes sheβs an ordinary woman β but sheβs nothing of the sort. So I suggested a title with the word extraordinary in it, and Raela, my editor, came up with βOut of the Ordinaryβ which I thought was an extraordinary title π
Love it! π
How long does it typically take you to write a story?
This is a tricky question because it depends on a lot of factors, such as what my editing schedule looks like, marketing time for upcoming releases, and, you know, life. Before I got published, I wrote first drafts much faster, as in a couple of weeks. But, after I got published and began working with a team of editors, I began changing how I wrote first drafts. Itβs like I can hear those editors as Iβm typing away now, telling me a chapter isnβt moving fast enough, or Iβm giving too much backstory, or, hereβs a good one, Iβve gone completely off the rails and need to get back on track. Because of that, I do a lot more editing as I write, so it takes me about four months to finish a first draft. But then, after my editing team goes through it, I get content editing suggestions from them, and then it takes me about another four to six weeks to polish everything up, address any problems they may have found, and then turn it in to them again.
That still seems fast to me. π Love hearing about your writing process. It inspires me!
Which heroine from a book would you like to be? Why?
I think all my heroines, to a certain extent, have a bit of me in them somewhere. But the one I really relate to is Miss Millie Longfellow. Sheβs very quirky, outspoken, and she carries a big bag filled with what I always consider the necessities of life β like extra shoes, hairpins, and books. Sheβs also rather fearless, far more fearless than I could ever be, and I admire that about her.
What was the last book you read and what will you remember most about it?
Since Iβve begun writing a new series, most of my reading has been non-fiction because Iβm using different settings for this series, taking my heroines out of New York. I just finished reading βPittsburgh, The Story of an American Cityβ by Stefan Lorant, and now Iβm on to βThe Big Spendersβ by Lucius Beebe. The Pittsburgh book is fascinating because I grew up about an hour away from that city, but βThe Big Spendersβ book is somewhat off-putting, not because of the writing, but because of the extent of the extravagances the gentlemen written about in the story indulged themselves with on a daily basis. The Gilded Age really was a time of conspicuous consumption, what with the many millionaires made during that time, but the average family was living on a few thousand dollars a year. I find it disturbing how these millionaires and their wives spent their money so frivolously while men were working seven days a week in the mills, their hard work being the reason the owners of those mills could live such excessive lifestyles.
Yes, I bet that’s fascinating to study. Thanks for visiting with us today, Jen. Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I just recently turned in the content edits for βCaught by Surprise,β the third and final book of this latest series. That means all the hard work on that book has been done, and all I have left to do are two galleys β one to make sure I didnβt miss anything or messed up a timeline, things like that, and the last galley is to double-check for typos, missing words, etc.
Since Iβve put that series almost to bed, Iβm now concentrating on a new adventure β a series centered on three American heiresses. The idea for this series came about when I wondered what would have happened if Miss Consuela Vanderbilt had balked when her mother, Alva Vanderbilt, demanded she marry the Duke of Marlborough. That led to all sorts of possibilities, which is why my American Heiress series might have my heroines going a littleβ¦rogue.
Thank you so much for having me. Hope everyone has a great week, and good luck with the giveaway!
That new series sounds like so much fun. π Thanks, Jen. Hope you have a great week too!
GIVEAWAY!!
Jen has graciously offered to give away a copy of Out of the Ordinary. Enter below and it could be YOU!
Thanks for entering! Contest is open only in the U.S. and ends November 7, 2017. Winner will be notified by email.
I went to the state fair. It was warm for fall, but still fun. π
Hi Grace!
Thank you for stopping in. I used to go to the state fair in Ohio all the time. Curiously enough, now that I live in Denver, I’ve never been to a single state fair here.
All the best,
~ Jen ~
I love the Ohio State Fair! I live in Toledo and haven’t been to Columbus in years. The last state fair I went to was probably in 2000 or 2001. I also went to the Indiana State Fair once but it wasn’t as good as the Ohio one.
I love the Ohio State Fair, Michelle! And funny story about Toledo – my husband and I decided to drive cross-country – don’t ask me why, he’s not good in a car – but we did. And as we’re driving past Toledo – he said something about one of their sports teams – I swear he said they were called the muck hens – so about fifty miles later, I said “You know, I really don’t know what a muck hen is.” To this day he has to bring that up – but really – I’m still not sure what a mud hen is either π
So glad you could join us, Grace. It was a warm fall here in Missouri too. State fairs are always such fun. I haven’t been to one in years, but I still remember going as a kid. π Good luck in the giveaway!
Your new book sounds fabulous! I plan to go to the Operation Christmas Child processing center this fall to sort boxes for distribution. I think this is my 4th year and I love doing it. So my fall event is anticipated and something I always enjoy. I love both of your curly hair. As a fellow “curly girl” the struggle in taming the locks is real. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.
Hi Perrianne!
I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned this before, but I love your name! (I also love that you get the whole curly-hair trauma – I’ve yet to find the perfect product.)
Thanks for stopping in, and good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
I do get the curly girl dillema. I used to use the Enjoy line but it got too expen$ive. So…..here we go again! Glad you like my name. i have a love/hate relationship with it. People just don’t understand what you’re saying. It is my Mom & Dad’s middle names put together.
That sounds great, Perrianne! Thanks for sharing. And your comment about fellow “curly girls” made me laugh and then sigh in exasperation. I totally understand the dilemma with “taming the locks”. It’s a never-ending battle! π
Great interview! I love Jen and her books!
Something I did this fall, hmm….I read and listened to a lot of books. I turned the furnace on earlier than usual. I got my flu shot, then spent the next two weeks sick. I turned a year older and bought myself a birthday cake!
It’s great to see you here, Andrea!
Delighted you love my books, and what a great fall you’re having – I mean the book part, not the flu shot or being sick π And happy belated birthday. I’ve given up cake, gives me a headache, but for my birthday toward the end of November, I’m thinking of going really wild and getting some…chips!
Have a great rest of the week!
~ Jen ~
Awww, cake gives you a headache? That’s too bad! Hope you still have a great birthday, though, Jen, and enjoy those chips. π
Hi Andrea! I’m glad you enjoyed our little chat. π Your fall sounds lovely, except for the sick part. Hope you get to read Jen’s book soon!
This fall, my family and I completed a 5K together – even my five year old!
I’m impressed. I’ve never been in a race before and, well, nope, I don’t think I probably ever will – it’s that whole running business π
Thanks for stopping in!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
How fun! I love that it was a family effort. π Thanks for visiting!
Our trip to the apple orchard
Hi Jennifer!
I have to admit that I’m a little jealous of the apple orchard trip. I used to live in Upstate NY and there were some fabulous orchards there. We don’t really have that many apple orchards out here in Denver, so I do miss those.
Thanks for stopping in!
All the best,
Jen
I’m excited to read your new release. I live in a small town and noticed today that there is already a waiting list for your book. Be encouraged, your readers just can’t wait.
Sounds like the perfect fall trip, Jennifer. My grandparents used to own and operate an apple orchard and I have so many fond memories of it. Happy Fall!
You should read Hometown Girl by Courtney Walsh. It s about a family purchasing an apple orchard and such a great read. I think that you would like it.
We have not done much, just lived and loved our everyday life.
I so enjoy reading Jen Turano books and Savanna Kaiser. I follow both on FB but do not tweet or histogram.
I’ve not done that much either, Glenis. I’m in the middle of a first draft – well, almost done, but it seems like I’ve been at my desk so much I’ve missed out on some of the fall activities this year.
Thank you for stopping in, and good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
Thanks for commenting, Glenis. My fall was kinda quiet too, but that’s not always bad. π I appreciate you following. Have a blessed day!
Something fun I did this fall? Hmmm. I went to the MN state fair in August, went to high school football games every Friday night to support my two teen boys who are in the band, and read lots of wonderful books!
Oh, Cherie, high school football games. I so miss going to those. My son is now in college, and even though I have gone to a few local games with my husband, it’s just not the same without my son participating.
Thank you for sharing!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
That sounds like fun, Cheri. I was homeschooled and kinda missed out on the Friday night football games, but they seem like a fun fall activity. Good luck in the giveaway!
I absolutely adore Jen’s books! I am an addict. They are soooo good. I never miss them. Sometimes I go back and read certain passages many times because they are so funny. I scare my dog laughing.
I just adore you, Susan! I think you were one of my very first reviewers and God bless you for sticking with me over the years!!!
Love ya!
~ Jen ~
Love it! So glad you could stop by, Susan. Hope you get to read and enjoy Jen’s new book soon! π
I can’t wait to read Out of the Ordinary! I love Jen’s books! We recently moved, so we haven’t done as many fun things this fall season as we usually do. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving though! It’s my favorite holiday π
Thank you so much, Jordann! Delighted you enjoy my books.
Hope your move went smoothly, and enjoy your Thanksgiving!!!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
I hope you get to read it soon, Jordann. π And I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I’m with you, I LOVE this time of year!
I started smiling and laughing when I read that Mr. Sinclair was simply a riot to write. Your quote pretty much guarantees that I will be in stitches! I absolutely LOVE the humor in your books!
Hi Rochelle!!
I have to admit, and don’t tell my other heroes, but Harrison Sinclair is one of my very favorite heroes – maybe THE HERO for me – but again, don’t tell anyone I said that – that could cause me some trouble π
Thank you for enjoying my books, and good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
We’re so happy you could join us, Rochelle! Can’t wait for you to read Jen’s latest. π
I went on a crazy book buying spree this fall! β€ That was a blast.
That does sound like a blast, Alysha! Books and shoes are my two weaknesses – but I think books do win out π
Thanks for stopping in!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
Awwww, how fun is that?! Love it, Alysha. Happy Reading!
Thanks for the wonderful review, Jen and Savanna!! So looking forward to reading Out of the Ordinary – thanks for the giveaway opportunity!! Thanks for the joy you impart to everyone you meet, Jen, and your beautiful writing!!
Guess the most recent thing I’ve done this Fall is to celebrate my father’s 96th birthday with family and friends this past weekend. Hopefully this coming weekend, I will feel up to taking a drive to admire the Fall leaves and then out to dinner with friends.
Bonnie!!!! I’m so glad you stopped by – you’re one of my favorite people and I just appreciate all the support you’ve given me!
Hope you feel well enough to check out the leaves this weekend, as well as enjoy dinner with your friends!! It’s supposed to be 70 here on Saturday so I’m trying to get Al to play golf so I can get some more writing done. This pesky draft is just about enough to drive me crazy!!!
Love ya!
Jen
It’s so great to see you here, Bonnie. You’ve been on my mind. Miss you, friend. Your company here brightened my day. Thanks for visiting. And sharing about your sweet father’s birthday. How special. π Hugs!!
I enjoyed going to book club and seeing Laura Frantz.
Hey Nancy!!!
I saw your pictures with Laura – very nice. She’s such a wonderful woman!
Thanks for stopping by, and have fun with your book club!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
Hi Nancy! I too saw your pictures. I was so jealous! π Laura is the sweetest. I’m so glad you were able to see her. Thanks for sharing the pics online too. Good luck in the giveaway!
I love seeing the bright colors in the Fall, so love going for drives or walks around the neighborhood to admire all the colors!
Hi Heidi!!!
I’m with you – checking out the fall colors is one of my favorite fall things to do. I will say that I’m not that fond of cleaning up all those leaves, but since I discovered this nifty bag holder at Lowe’s, well, it’s a lot easier this year. Best fifteen bucks I’ve spent in a while.
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
Me too, Heidi! π Due to the drought this summer in MO, the trees weren’t as vibrant as usual, but still pretty. Fall is my favorite season for sure!
We have had some fun evenings on our deck with a fire, snacks, and relaxing in the chilly fall weather.
That sounds lovely, Ashley!
Thank you for stopping in π
All the best,
~ Jen ~
That’s some of my favorite things to do in the fall, Ashley. π Thanks for stopping by!
Something fun I did? I hung up a fall picture and 2 other fall decorations which i’ve never done before π
That just made me smile, Sabrina! Good for you – first fall decorations!! I pulled out a few ghosts and then carved pumpkins, but I used to go all out when my son was little. He’s in college now, so…I’m a bit of a slacker.
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
Decorating for fall is always fun! I’m looking forward to carving pumpkins with my little girl next year. She was too little this year to really appreciate it. π Thanks for visiting, Sabrina.
I went to a big festival at an old grist mill. It has been in operation 125 years. They had live music, great food, cider,an apple butter stir off a craft show and mill tours. We had a great time!
That sounds wonderful. Thank you for sharing!!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
That sounds like just the sort of thing I would LOVE to attend. How cool! Thanks for visiting. π
Nothing special, just reading, listening to books, and watching TV. Would love to win this.
Nothing wrong with the simple and sweet. π Good luck in the drawing, Michelle!
Hi Michelle!!
Thank you so much for stopping in. I have to admit that I’ve not done anything spectacular this fall either. That writing business has been getting in my way:)
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
I have a fall birthday, so during the day we visited an apple orchard and got some apple goodies! Also, we had such a glorious fall, beautiful fall colors, so I took a lot of pictures π
Sounds like a perfect way to spend a birthday, Jeanne. π Thanks for sharing. Good luck in the giveaway!
Hi Jeanne!
How cool that you have beautiful colors. Out here in Denver, well, it was so hot this summer that we don’t have the colors we normally do – lots of muddy browns π
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
Jen
We went to our local farm and picked pumpkins, ate roasted corn and apple cider donuts!
Seriously, fall has the best activities. I can’t wait to take my little girl to things like that in the future. She’s just starting to walk this time, but next year I’m looking forward to taking her to a pumpkin patch and nearby cornmaze. π Thanks for joining us, Merry!
Hi Merry!
Now you’ve got me curious – I’ve never had an apple cider donut before, but…I might have to look into that.
Thanks for visiting!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
Oh, I love that question because I DID do something fun this fall. I fulfilled a life long dream of mine and went to Europe. We spent 18 wonderful days touring Austria, Italy, France and England. I now really want to go back to Austria.
Wow! Arletta, that’s amazing! Loved reading your comments. Sounds like an unforgettable trip. I would love to see those places someday. π Thanks for sharing!
Well, I think you might have won the most fun during fall contest, Arletta. Europe – how cool is that??? My husband’s family is from Italy, but I have to admit that I’ve not been there yet – I have been to France and England, but not to Austria either – seems like I need to get traveling!
Have a great rest of your fall!!
All the best,
Jen
I got together with a friend of mine, her six year old, and my mom and sister and packed shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. It’s been a yearly tradition now for quite a few years and this was the second year of her oldest helping. Always lots of fun!
So sweet. I love that you all work together on the project, Colleen. What special memories you’re making!
That’s such a great endeavor, Colleen! I love Operation Christmas Child, and how cool that your introducing it to a whole new generation!
Thanks for visiting!
All the best,
Jen
Something fun I did this fall was attend a dinner celebrating the 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation for Church. It was catered and we had a special speaker . He was a professor from our seminary and he talked about Lutherβs love for the common people and how he wanted to get the Bible into the average peopleβs hands! We also had a craft fair that kept me busy sewing.
That sounds incredible, Paula. I would have loved to attend something like that. It’s hard to believe that was 500 years ago. Crazy!
That does sound wonderful, Paula! As for the craft fair, I do enjoy shopping at those, but I have to admit that I’m not very crafty. I was the only one in a tailoring class back in the day who put the interfacing on the wrong side of the fabric π
Have a great weekend!
All the best,
Jen
About the fun things I do? Well if I get a day where no one bothers me and I get to read a good book without interruption. Thanks for the giveaway!
PS: Sorry but the part where it says to subscribe to The Engrafted Word somehow I clicked done before I meant to, but the e-mail address is the same as this one. I didnβt get to finish it.
Haha! I know, I hate being interrupted from a good book too, Brenda. π I’ll make sure you get the extra entry for subscribing. Thanks for letting me know.
Brenda – those are always my favorite days as well. I don’t seem to find much interrupted time to read, but I keep hoping that one day…:)
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
Jen
I had the privilege of meeting Jen and her sister a few years back at RT in Dallas. It was like I had always known her..a great lady with a wonderful sense of humor! This fall I celebrated my 42nd Anniversary! Fall is my favorite time of the year!
How cool, Melanie. I had the sweet surprise of running into Jen at the recent ACFW in Dallas. We rode an elevator together, so we only had a few moments, but it was so cool to finally see her in person. π
Congratulations on 42 years. My hubby and I celebrated our 5th in September. Fall is such a lovely time for a wedding. π
Melanie!!!! How delightful that you came to visit – my sister is always asking me if I ever hear from you – so now, I can tell her yes π
Congratulations on your anniversary – very impressive.
And do know that it was so great to get to meet you at RT – you and your daughter should consider going to the Christian Reader Retreat next year – it’s a complete blast and there are tons of readers and authors there!!
All the best,
Jen
Would love to win
Good luck in the drawing, Martha. π Thanks for visiting!
Hi Martha!
Thanks for visiting, and good luck with the giveaway!!!
All the best,
Jen
Hello!
I’ve really enjoyed reading each of Jen’s books. The protagonists always have so much personality and spunk! π Excited to read Out of the Ordinary and can’t wait to learn more about the new series!
In terms of something fun I’ve done this fall… I went on a camping trip in the mountains of western North Carolina earlier this month with my boyfriend and a couple of my friends. We went on a mountain hike and he proposed! Not only was that a surprise, but later we were going to have dinner with a friend from the area and there was an engagement party! I was overwhelmed. Truly, there’s little better than fall leaves, mountains, bonfires, and loved ones!
Awww, Jennifer, CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement! That’s so exciting. What a sweet way to propose too. I’m partial to that myself since my hubby proposed on a mountain hike too. You described fall perfectly, by the way. It’s the perfect combination of all my favorite things. π
That’s such a great story, Jennifer – what a fall you’re having.
Best wishes to you and your fiance!!!
~ Jen ~
I haven’t done anything exciting this fall, lol, even though we recently moved back ‘home’ to Nebraska after 18 years in Florida. I have made many trips to many doctors, hospitals for tests and a short hospital stay now looking at least one surgery, not sure what a different doctor will say about a different surgery after a visit to him. No, not for me, all is for my husband. So exciting to be back home but oh so busy. I am thankful we are here though because all of these trips can be made within 10 minutes verses 30 minutes at a minimum to 1 hour drive for his doctors and hospitals in Florida.
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of Jen’s book.
wfnren at aol dot com
Awww, Wendy, I’m sorry to hear your family has had so much to deal with. Praying for your hubby and you! Blessings to you both! And good luck in the giveaway too. π
Wendy – I’m sorry to hear your husband is having such health issues. I do hope his surgery goes well!
Best of luck to you!
Jen
Something Fun I did this fall, was attend a Fundraiser, called Hoedown, and it was totally not the kind of thing I would usually do, but it was for a good cause, lots of fun, music and barn like stuff and it was a good night out with my hubby π
That sounds like fun, Melony! What was the fundraiser for? I went to some barn dances when I was younger and I remember laughing a lot. Fun times. π
Hey Melony!!! Thanks for stopping in – always delightful to chat with you – although I’m not certain I’m ever going to get in an elevator with you again….hahahaha
Love ya!
Jen
The only fun thing I have done this fall is read.
Reading is the perfect way to spend the fall, in my opinion. Especially when you can read curled up next to the warm stove. π Thanks for stopping by, Jan. Good luck in the giveaway!
And that’s spending your fall in a most productive way if you ask me.
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
Jen
I am still waiting for Fall here in the central southern part of the country – it is supposed to be a record 90 degrees tomorrow! Love her books and the article with background mention of Jen’s neurotic cattle dog – I have an 18 month old we rescued from a shelter, approximately a year ago. Very interesting girl!
Hi Cathy! Thanks for joining us. Wow, 90 degrees! We had some 80 degree days in October and that felt hot to me. π Hard to believe it’s already November! Your dog sounds sweet, by the way. Thanks for sharing!
You have a Cattle Dog, Cathy??? Oh, they are my favorite dogs ever – but they do seem to be rather quirky π
Good luck with the giveaway!!!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
I went to see a Notre Dame football game. Quite the experience.
Cool, Virginia! I’m not a huge sports fan, but I still think that would be fun. Can you believe I’ve never actually been to a live football game? Maybe someday… π
Virginia – I love college football games!!! My dad played college ball at this small college clear back in the day, so I grew up having no choice but to love the game π
Always great to hear from you!
All the best,
Jen
My cousins came down for a week!! We got to do all kinds of things, it was a blast!
Thanks for the giveaway!!
Hi Megan!!! Wonderful to hear from you. How fun you that you got to spend time with your cousins. I don’t have much family out here in Denver, so I have to travel cross-country in order to see my cousins. Bit of a trek –
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
Jen
How fun, Megan! It’s always nice to catch up with faraway family. π Thanks for visiting!
Hey Savanna! We’re still recovering from Hurricane Harvey flooding our home. I have been able to read lots of great books this Fall.
Hey Caryl – hope your recovery from the hurricane is chugging along – those pictures you shared with the water in your house were crazy!!
Here’s hoping you have a dry and uneventful holiday season!
All the best,
Jen
I’m so glad that’s behind you now, Caryl. Hoping the recovery work is going well. I’m glad you had some great books for company. π
My birthday is Oct. 12, which was a Thursday this year. I’d seen my married daughter the previous Saturday when we met to shop so I didn’t expect to see her on my birthday. She lives a little over an hour away. She surprised me after work on my birthday, staying about 3 1/2 hours. We had a nice visit which included going out to eat. It made me feel very special that she would do that for me. She said her brother encouraged her to come. He lives about 8 hours away so he couldn’t be with me. It’s always fun to spend time with my grown kids.
How fun for you, Pam!! And Happy Belated Birthday π
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
Jen
That is so sweet, Pam. What a fun birthday. I always love going out and doing fun things with my Mom. We always laugh a lot! π
I did not realize until now but I haven’t had a very “fun” fall. The only thing I can think of is meeting my daughter and her family in Cape Girardeau to see the Nina and Pinta! I know Savanna went too! Fall really is my favorite season but it’s been very busy with less fun activities this year!
I’m right there with you, Joan. Fall is my favorite season, but it just seems like I’ve had a ton of stuff to do this fall – Plus, it’s been so warm out here in Denver that it hasn’t felt like fall. Imagine my surprise when I blinked and November was here!
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
Jen
Our visit to Cape Girardeau was SO neat! It was well worth the drive. Just wish we’d gotten to see you while we were there, Joan.
Helping my son fill out college applications.. . seriously playing with my kids. I enjoy the time with them.
College applications – hmmmm….I have to admit, Becky, that when my son was getting ready to go off to college, applications weren’t that fun for either of us – He’d procrastinate, I’d nag, he’d fill some out, and then we’d start all over again – I’m so glad he’s in college now!!
Good luck with the college process, as well as with the giveaway!
All the best,
Jen
Awwww, blessings to you and your son during this important season, Becky. Thanks for sharing! Good luck in the giveaway too.
I read several books and went to the local Octoberfest to get myself some freshly hand-made kettle corn. Yum!
Hi Debbie!!
Oh, kettle corn – I wish I could eat it, but for some reason, it gives me a really bad headache!!!
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
Jen
Hand-made kettle corn sounds sooooo good! Wish I had some to snack on right now myself. π Sounds like a nice fall, Debbie!
Finished writing my second novel! Boy am I impressed by Jen’s ability to whip out novels in such a short period of time!! It took me seven months and that was only because I worked at it constantly!! The Lord has certainly gifted you!
Congratulations on finishing your second novel, Cynthia!!! That’s wonderful – I just type really fast – I credit Mrs. Reese from my high school typing class – she was great π
Good luck to you!
All the best,
Jen
The Lord has gifted you too, Cynthia! I’m so excited to read this second book of yours soon. π Hugs!!
Our family did trunk or treat. It was bitter sweet because my children are now getting too old to trick or treat so this was their last year for it. I am so looking forward to Jen’s new book. I love her humorous and fun stories. Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Loraine!!
I was super bummed when my son decided he did not need his mom tagging along with him on Halloween – I always loved doing that. It seems like they grow up so fast, but then, well, I have to say I am enjoying this empty nest business – very liberating. Granted, it took me about a year to get used to it, but now – love it!!!
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
Everyone always told me kids grow up too fast. Now that I have a one year old, I totally agree. It’s hard to believe how fast it goes. Thanks for joining us, Loraine. Happy fall!
It doesn’t really seem like fall here in the deep south. But we are just starting to get some cooler weather.
It hasn’t seemed like fall out here in Denver, either, Emilee. I have all of these fabulous sweaters but…bit too warm to wear them. Today it’s only 65 so..yep, pulled on a sweater, half boots, even took a jacket, which I abandoned before I even made it to the store.
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
Jen
It just really started getting cold here in Missouri recently too. It’s about time. I love the cool weather! π Good luck in the giveaway, Emilee!
Yay! So happy and LOVE this interview! Hi Jen! I love Millie too and that new series, I can’t wait!
Annie!!!! Honestly, it seems like I haven’t talked to you in forever!!! Hope Gabby is doing well, and…I hope you enjoy Gertrude Cadwallader’s story – the hero, Mr. Harrison Sinclair – well, I do think you’re going to enjoy him π
Love ya!
Jen
It’s great to have you join us, Annie. Good luck in the giveaway!
I love all your books and am really looking forward to the new one!!
Thank you so much, Judith! I’m delighted you enjoy my books!!!
Good luck with the giveaway!!!
All the best,
Jen
Thanks for stopping by, Judith. Good luck in the drawing and happy reading!
Beautiful cover! I have read some of Jen’s book and she is a great writer. Would love to win a copy of this book.
Hi Vivian!!
Thank you, I do love this cover. It was originally peach, but after I told everyone who’d listen about how I don’t particularly care for peach, we agreed that blue might be a better way to go π
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
Jen
I totally agree. Such a pretty cover! Hope you get to read it soon, Vivian. π Thanks for visiting.
My County library hosted authors & I got to meet/hear in person: PL Gaus (writes Amish murder mysteries, Jack Gantos, (children’s author) and Debbie Macomber! Very interesting, informative & fun!
Sounds like you have a great library system, Barb! I recently attended an author panel sponsored by Avon Books – Shelley Sheppard Gray was there, which is why I went. She was one of the first authors I ever met because she was represented by the first agent I signed with – she’s super sweet.
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
Jen
That sounds like so much fun, Barb. Love meeting favorite authors. π
I went to Poland on a mission trip and while I was there my husband and I went into Ukraine and found the hometown of my grandparents. It used to be in Poland before WWll.
Wow, Faith, that’s quite the fall you’re having. That’s very cool that you were able to find the hometown of your grandparents. I love digging up information like that. I recently learned that my great grandfather originally owned a grocery store that, well, sadly, burned down, which forced him to get into another business -that being real estate. It was fascinating – and I learned I had a great uncle that no one seems to know anything about – very curious.
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
Jen
Wow, that sounds incredible, Faith. Definitely a trip you won’t forget! Thanks for sharing. Have a great week!
We made pumpkin shaped cookies.
Marilyn
How fun, Marilyn!!!
I don’t try to make fancy cookies these days. For some reason, I’ve never been able to wield a cookie-cutter, so…I’ve just stopped trying!
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
Jen
I’ve never been that good at that sort of thing myself, but it always looks like fun. Bet they were tasty too, Marilyn. π
I don’t really have anything fun we’ve done this fall. I always buy my pie pumpkins at the farmers market to cook and prepare for my treats (pies, bread, cake, and etc). I am, however, looking forward to the family going to visit my sister-in-law for Thanksgiving. It’s our yearly tradition π
What a fun interview, thanks Jen & Savanna! I enjoyed reading this post. Thanks also for the giveaway chance…books are my life, lol!
Hey Trixi!!
Thanks for visiting! I would love to say I know how to cook and prepare pie pumpkins, but…nope. Any pumpkin things I make, well, I have to use the pumpkin you buy in a can – not that I make much, but I do have a killer pumpkin cookie recipe that was from my grandmother – mixed with caramel icing – to die for π
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
Jen
Hi Trixi! Always so nice to see you stop by. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family. It’s getting here so fast!
This fall I’ve read lots of books.
Hi Nayda!
Allow me to simply say that reading lots of books sounds wonderful to me, and I’m now jealous!!
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
Jen
One of my favorite things to do, Nayda. π Good luck in the giveaway!
Very excited for Jen’s next book. I adore her stories. We’ve been super busy this fall with work and school, but I’ve made sure to spend time with my new niece, Paula. She’s almost 2 months old. I’ve also been doing a lot of memory making with my best friend who was diagnosed a year ago with terminal cancer. She’s fighting hard. I’m praying hard, that’s for sure!
Bless your heart, Nicole. Your life sounds very full right now. Praying for grace for your dear friend, especially, and for you too. Blessings!!
Every October we visit my parents for an extended weekend to help with a household project (we built a gazebo one year, this year we made a super neat countertop to go inside the gazebo) and to have a large donut party. My parents have over 100 people show up for all you can eat homemade donuts-we make 800 donuts. It is such a fun tradition my parents have been doing for over 10 years!
That sounds like something that should go in a book, Terressa! What a FUN idea!! π Now all of a sudden I’m craving donuts. π
Love Jenβs books.
Thanks for joining us, Teresa!
Um, I read lots of awesome books this fall π
Always a great way to spend the fall, Adrienne. π
This has been a crazy fall, but the exciting thing is that my husband and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary! We are spending the night at a bed & breakfast in the hills of Kentucky with no internet or tv. Maybe I’ll take one of Jen’s books with me…
That sounds lovely, Misty. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to you both. π
This fall I got a new Golden Retriever Puppy. Iβm so excited to have her. Her name is Roxie, After the lead character in Chicago
How sweet! New puppies are the best. π Love her name too, Clenna!
I feel like my fall has been a bust…I have gotten to cheer on some friends while they were on travels, done some reading, and went to my cousinβs long awaited wedding. Thereβs some new stuff up on the horizon, so Iβm patiently waiting for then next big thing!
Messed up my own email address, doh! The correct email is trdivincenzo (at) gmail (dot) com
Sounds like a full season, Teri. I’m glad you could stop by and wish you the best in the days ahead.
It’s been pretty busy but I enjoyed my husband taking me for a ride on the Colonial Williamsburg Parkway last weekend. It was the first change of the season I had really seen. Short but beautiful!
I would LOVE to see that place, Anne. I bet it was beautiful! π Thanks for sharing.
This fall I have enjoyed watching my kids in their sports and band competitions.
Sounds like some sweet times, Gina. π Good luck in the drawing!
This October my Sister and I took a two week vacation and went to Upper New York and went to Niagara Falls and took a boat ride on the Erie Canal. We also went thru Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and back home to Michigan. Fall vacations are the best, nice to see the beauty of the trees changing.
What a fun adventure to share with your sister, Dianne. π And what a perfect time to travel too. I’m glad you stopped by!