Tuesday, November 25, 2008

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.

Readers, you can quickly order a copy of Homefront Holiday by clicking the following link:

You can also leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. If you don't, you can still use this link.

20 comments:

cheryl c said...

This sounds like a heartwarming story of love, patriotism, sacrifice, dedication, and second chances. The fact that it is also a Christmas story is a bonus!

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a great series. I am going to have to go see if I can get some of the first ones! Please enter me in your drawing.

Kristi

Jayme said...

sounds like a pretty good read. i would love to win this book.

jayme[dot]bouwens@yahoo[dot]com

windycindy said...

The "Love Inspired" Books are fabulous. I enjoy reading books in a series. Please enter me in your drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Ausjenny said...

I love the look of this story and I love Christmas Please enter me.

apple blossom said...

Oh, I love romances. I've heard of this 6 book series and it sounds absolutely lovely. I'd love to win this book. Blessed Thanksgiving to you.

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

G.R.I.T.S. said...

I love your other series...can't wait to read this one...please enter me in the contest!

raebyuel @ gmail . com

Kat said...

I would love to win and then pass the book through my very military family!!

Unknown said...

Please count me in!
frog123 (at) cyipcom (dot) net

Marla said...

I love the Love Insprired books. Homefront Holiday sounds like a good book. thank you for the entry.

Maureen said...

I do enjoy Christmas stories.
mce1011[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Hi! Thanks for stopping by. This has been a great series by a lot of wonderful authors. I hope you all get a chance to read every book in the series. It's heartwarming. Happy Holidays!

Pamela J said...

Both our boys have been in the military and our younger son still is. I came to understand a little of their dedication to our country through them but understand the strain it has on family relationships
Washington is one of my favorite places to go because of the beauty there. We travel by motorcycle every year to see my husband's Grandma in Wenatchee. Awesome drive.
I wondered if it is important to read the other books in the series before reading this final book or do each one stand alone?
Pam Williams
cepjwms at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Homefront Holiday sounds like such a heartwarming story. A perfect read for the Christmas season. I'd appreciate it if you would enter me in the contest drawing. Thank you.

Cherie J said...

I love Jillian's books and I don't have this one so I would love to be entered in the drawing. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Hi again! Thank you all for your kind comments.

I think this book is very Christmasy. My favorite scene is when Mike takes little Ali shopping for his first American Christmas tree. I loved how war weary Mike begins to see Christmas through the boy's eyes.

Pamela,

I am very blessed to live in such a beautiful state. I used to always go to the Apple Blossom festival at Wenatchee (if they still have it these days!).

And no, you don't have to read the entire series first, but there are continuing characters and storylines that have developed through all six books, of course, so they are in my book too. : ) Mine is the conclusion of the series, so the epilogue, for example gives a glimpse of all the happy couples from the six books. But mostly, it's a stand alone story.

Thanks for asking! : )

Anonymous said...

this sounds like an interesting series as well as a sweet story!
please ente me
christmas stories are great

Anonymous said...

Homefront Holiday sounds wonderful! Please enter me in the drawing. I would love to win this book!

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a good book with a wonderful message to convey. Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Pat
Please enter me for a chance to win as the book sounds most interesting.
grist@mweb.co.za