Author Jillian Hart - HOMEFRONT HOLIDAY - Free Book

I just love reading these series by Love Inspired. What is the name of the series this book is in, and where in the series does it occur?

The name of the series is Homecoming Heroes, and my book is the final book, #6 in the series. It comes out in December 08.

Who came up with the idea for the series?

The publisher.

I know that working on a series that weaves together takes a lot of work. How did your team schedule the work?

The other five authors in this series were incredible. (Marta Perry, Lenora Worth, Brenda Coulter, Patricia Davids and Margaret Daley). The team communicated via email and hammered out any problems within the set series story and offered support and friendship. It was a privilege to work with them. I had the easiest part, since I had the final book, and all I needed to do was the resolution of the continuity.

Did you find it hard or easy to work within the series framework?

Both. It’s a challenge to pick up characters and a story and make them your own, which isn’t often easy but it is rewarding. Steeple Hill had a touching, solid story that made writing the romance easy.

What other books have you had published?

I have numerous other books published with Love Inspired, and also write for Love Inspired’s historical line and Harlequin Historicals.

When you aren't writing or spending time with your family, what is your favorite activity?

I love romantic comedies. If I have spare time, I’m hunkered down in front of my TV, watching two characters on their rocky path to love.

Where do you do most of your writing?

I’ve converted an extra bedroom into an office where I look out the window at lush lawn and evergreens and write the day away.

I'm actually sitting in my converted-bedroom office right now, too. What part of the country do you live it? And why do you like that part of the country?

I live in Washington State. I enjoy the scenery and the green trees and the mountains that rim the horizon. I’ve lived in other states, but Washington has always felt like home.

I'd love to visit there sometime. Tell us about the featured book.

I loved writing Homefront Holiday. It’s about Mike, a dedicated Army surgeon whose tour of duty is over and returns home to Sarah, the woman he left behind. Can they find love again? Or is it too late?

What I found interesting when I was writing these two characters were their sense of honor and duty. Mike’s sense of duty to his country is what tore him and Sarah apart. She wanted him to stay, to marry her and start a family. He re-upped, choosing his duty to his country and his fellow soldiers. Sarah broke off the engagement and has come to regret her decision. It is her own sense of honor and duty that makes her finally understand him—she is fostering Ali, the little Middle Eastern orphan boy Mike saved overseas. Sarah, in coming to love the little boy, sees the value of Mike’s sense of duty and the difference such belief makes in the world. It’s a lovely message, and it was rewarding to help Mike and Sarah find their happily-ever-after.

The Happily-Ever-After, my favorite part of the story. No story is complete without one. How can my readers find you on the Internet?

My webpage is at http://www.jillianhart.net/. Please drop by!

Thank you Jillian for spending this time with us.

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