Jen's Jewels

INTERVIEW WITH CATHERINE MCKENZIE

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to trade places with a celebrity for just one day? The lavish lifestyle and fancy cars wouldn’t be too hard to get used to, not to mention the designer clothes and footwear! Yet we forget that stardom is not just glitter and glitz. Being under the spotlight 24/7 takes its toll. All too often drug and alcohol abuse play a huge role in a celebrity’s climb to fortune and fame. Imagine what it must be like trying to pick up the pieces with the whole world watching?

This month’s Jen’s Jewels Catherine McKenzie tackles that very topic in her latest release SPIN. It’s the story of thirty-year-old Kate Sandford who, in search of her dream job, finds herself spying on a celebrity in rehab. With some much needed soul-searching and startling revelations, Kate comes to learn that the grass is not always greener on the other side. 

As part of this interview, Harper, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers, has generously donated five copies for you, my favorite readers, to try to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia question at the end. And as always, thanks for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your reading adventure.           

INTERVIEW WITH ROBYN CARR

Sometimes the best medicine for nursing a broken heart is starting over in a new town. With a clean slate and no constant reminders of what could have been, it’s a drastic yet practical way to move forward. Having the courage to move on by making a lifestyle change is a positive step towards healing.  That is…unless your cheating husband decides to follow you and beg for forgiveness.

This month’s Jen’s Jewels Robyn Carr tackles this very issue in The Virgin River Series’ latest release HIDDEN SUMMIT. It’s the story of a scorned wife Leslie Petruso who jumps at the chance for a new beginning but finds it’s not exactly what she had in mind. With a mysterious new man in her life and an ex-hubby who just won’t take no for an answer, Leslie’s simple plan for a fresh start has just become a whole lot more complicated!

As part of this interview, Robyn has donated five copies for you, my favorite readers, to try to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia question at the end of the column. In order to enter, you must include your complete mailing address along with the correct answer. Good luck! And, thanks for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your 2012 reading adventure. 

INTERVIEW WITH CECELIA AHERN

With the joy of the holiday season comes an endless list of must-do preparations. From baking cookies to sending out Christmas cards, it seems like there are just not enough hours in the day to possibly get everything done. Have you ever imagined what it would be like if you could be in two different places at the same time? Think about it…you’d have a lot less stress and much more holiday cheer!

This month’s Jen’s Jewels Cecelia Ahern touches upon this very idea in her festive holiday release THE GIFT. It’s the poignant story of one over-worked businessman named Lou Suffern who wishes he could be in two places at once. A contemporary spin on a traditional holiday tale, it’s a delightful book to share with family and friends.

As part of this interview, William Morrow, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers, has generously donated five copies for you, my favorite readers, to try to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia question at the end. And, as always, thanks for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your holiday reading list.    

INTERVIEW WITH KRISTAN HIGGINS

Being in high school is like a scary roller coaster ride…lots of emotional twists and turns on a path that feels like it’s heading to nowhere. From unrequited love to relationships that last forever, it’s the perfect time to test the waters before taking the leap into the pond of life. If only we knew back then what we know now. We wouldn’t have wasted so many hours worrying over nonsense that truly didn’t matter in the long run.

This month’s Jen’s Jewels Kristan Higgins touches upon this very topic in her hilarious new release UNTIL THERE WAS YOU.  It’s the story of Posey, a woman willing to take a leap of faith in order to believe that dreams really do come true. Set in Bellsford, New Hampshire with an unforgettable cast of characters, it’s a heartfelt story perfect for this time of year.

As part of this interview, Kristan has generously donated five copies for you, my favorite readers, to try to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia question at the end. And as always, thanks for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your holiday season. 

INTERVIEW WITH ROSALIND LAUER

When we were kids, life was so simple. We went to school, completed our homework, and then just played outside. On the weekends, it was family time peppered with baseball games and the occasional ballet recital. Nowadays, our kids are way overscheduled. Even trying to squeeze in a vacation can become a Herculean feat. If only we could go back to a simpler time when all we needed was a good conversation with the dearest of friends. How did we become such a busy society?

This month’s Jen’s Jewels Rosalind Lauer explores that very question in her exciting new Amish series Seasons of Lancaster. Get ready to be swept away by her unforgettable characters in the delightful first book A SIMPLE WINTER. Set in the rolling hills of beautiful Lancaster County, it’s the story of one Amish family’s struggle to overcome a shocking tragedy while an outsider contemplates leaving her busy life behind in order to find herself among the Amish.

As part of this interview, Ballantine Books, an imprint of Random House Books, has generously donated five copies for you, my favorite readers, to try to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia question at the end. Go ahead and leave the busyness behind and fall in love with the Seasons of Lancaster.

INTERVIEW WITH MARISA DE LOS SANTOS

The college years are an adventurous time in a student’s life. While discovering what the future may hold, special friendships evolve merely by happenstance. As the years go by, we reflect on these past relationships often wishing we could take a step back in time. But, what if one of your college chums contacted you asking for help? Would you be willing to risk it all in order to save a friend? 

This month’s Jen’s Jewels Marisa de los Santos touches upon this very topic in her latest release FALLING TOGETHER. It’s the heartwarming story of three college friends who have gone their separate ways only to find themselves reuniting in order to save one of their own. With a spectacular backdrop of the Philippines, Marisa captures the sheer power of true love and friendship in this spellbinding novel.

INTERVIEW WITH AMY EPHRON

On the ten year anniversary of 9/11, many of us took time out of our hectic lives to reflect on what really matters to us as families and as a nation. Nowadays, the world is a much different place …one in which our children will have to navigate using difficult life lessons as a guide from generations past. Together, we can build a brighter tomorrow for the children of today.  

This month’s Jen’s Jewels Amy Ephron has done her fair share of recollecting in her sensational new memoir LOOSE DIAMONDS …AND OTHER THINGS I’VE LOST (AND FOUND) ALONG THE WAY. In her typical deadpan fashion, Amy reminiscences about her own life experiences in love, marriage, and special friendships.

With just the right amount of humor peppered with down-to-earth honesty, she delivers yet another hilarious tale.

 

As part of this interview, William Morrow, an imprint of Harper Collins, has generously donated five copies for you, my favorite readers, to try to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia question at the end of the column. And to all those families touched by the tragic events of 9/11, my thoughts and prayers are with you as always.

INTERVIEW WITH SUSAN McBRIDE

There’s just something special about a little black dress. Like a trusted friend, its presence provides comfort and warmth. Whether donned for an elegant affair or needed for the funeral of a loved one, this mainstay of every woman’s wardrobe brings special meaning to life’s precious moments. Without it, we simply would be lost.

This month’s Jen’s Jewels Susan McBride touches upon this very topic in her sensational new release LITTLE BLACK DRESS. It’s the unforgettable story of one family’s attachment to a magical black dress that changes their lives forever. Written from two points of view spanning the past and the present, Susan is indeed one of the brightest stars in women’s fiction today.

As part of this interview, Harper Collins has generously donated five copies for you, my favorite readers, to try to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia question at the end of the column. And, as always, thanks for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your reading adventure.   

INTERVIEW WITH ALLIE LARKIN

Sometimes life’s biggest disappointments ironically turn out to be blessings in disguise. Whether it’s not getting accepted into the college of your dreams or perhaps losing your one true love to a best friend, it feels as if the pain will never go away. And, just when you think you’ve hit rock bottom, the unexpected happens and you’re back on top. The old adage rings true…tomorrow will be a better day.

This month’s Jen’s Jewels Allie Larkin touches upon this very topic of hope and redemption in her debut novel STAY. It’s the story of Savannah “Van” Leone who winds up broken-hearted when the man of her dreams walks down the aisle and marries her best friend. To help soothe the pain, Van adopts an adorable German shepherd puppy who manages to turn her life upside down.

As part of this interview, Penguin Books has donated five copies for you, my favorite wins, to try to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia question at the end of the column! And, thanks for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your summertime reading pleasure.   

INTERVIEW WITH SUSAN MALLERY

Reality television has forever changed the landscape of the entertainment industry. With a click of the remote, you can watch a dating show set in the wild or witness the drama of housewives stirring up trouble in some of the hottest cities in America. These days, it seems as if everyone is looking for his or her fifteen minutes of fame no matter what the cost. Whether it’s good or bad for society is yet to be determined; however, the fact of the matter is reality shows are here to stay.

This month’s Jen’s Jewels Susan Mallery touches upon this very topic in her new release ONLY MINE. Set in the fictional town of Fool’s Gold, California, it’s the charming story of Dakota Hendrix who finds herself in charge of overseeing a romance reality series set in her hometown. The first book in an exciting new trilogy, Susan’s fans are sure to be pleased by this funny, fresh, and frisky summer read.  

As part of this interview, Susan has generously donated three copies for you, my favorite readers, to try to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia question at the end of the column. And as always, thanks for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your summer reading list.