Jennifer Vido

INTERVIEW WITH SARAH JIO

Oftentimes, life’s most challenging moments spark a new beginning. Whether blindsided by a cheating spouse or devastated by the death of a loved one, learning to start anew is a skill many admire but few come to master. In order to truly define a person’s character, one must face adversity while traveling down unfamiliar and sometimes rocky roads.

This month’s Jen’s Jewels Sarah Jio addresses this very topic in her debut novel THE VIOLETS OF MARCH. It’s the story of a newly divorced woman Emily Wilson who is suffering from the fall-out inflicted by her cheating ex-husband. With nowhere else to turn, she seeks refuge with a relative on serene Bainbridge Island. One of my Top 5 Picks for the summer, this talented novelist is sure to be one of fiction’s next rising stars.

As part of this interview Plume, an imprint of Penguin 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. And as always, thanks for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your reading adventure.

PUMPED FOR MURDER by Elaine Viets

Helen Hawthorne is once again a happily married woman. Hopefully this time around, her beloved husband won’t wind up dead. She and hubby Phil have decided to take the plunge and start up their own investigation firm housed in the apartment complex where they live. From sketchy businessmen to nosey neighbors, no case is too big or small for this dynamic marital duo.

INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL LEE WEST

With the coming of spring brings the flurry of weddings. There’s nothing more romantic than walking down the aisle amid spring blooms and sounds of birds chirping. Even the royals are taking advantage of the beautiful weather.  But perhaps before exchanging I Do’s, it’s best to do a thorough background check on your beloved. You never know. You may be tying yourself up with a fugitive or even a self-proclaimed ladies’ man.

This month’s Jen’s Jewels Michael Lee West tackles this very topic in her hilarious new release GONE WITH A HANDSOMER MAN. It’s the charming story of newly engaged Teeny Templeton who finds herself knee-deep in trouble when her so-called handsome, wealthy fiancé winds up dead. Set in historic Charleston, this novel is my must-read pick for summer 2011!  

As part of this interview, Minotaur 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. And as always, thanks for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your reading adventure.  

A PLACE OF YES By Bethenny Frankel

Bethenny Frankel is the IT girl of Bravo TV’s hit reality series Bethenny Ever After. Originally casted as one of The Real Housewives of New York City, Bethenny came on the scene as the take-no-prisoners single girl who was in search of her Prince Charming. Not surprisingly, it didn’t take too long for this charismatic housewife to realize she was much better off without her blood-thirsty castmates. Nowadays, Bethenny is mixing up her trademark Skinnygirl Margaritas alongside her handsome hubby Jason, adorable baby girl Bryn, and feisty doggie Cookie.