Bio: Denise lives in Indiana
with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first
book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years
later, it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain
a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her
romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Welcome back, Denise. How did you come up with the idea for
this story?
A lot of the
background for Dancing with Fireflies was set up in Barefoot Summer. I had a clear idea from the beginning about who
Jade is (complicated, creative, middle child), and Daniel also arrived on the
page pretty fleshed out. I love writing stories where the hero is secretly in
love with the heroine and sets out to win her. It reminds me of the way God
pursues us.
If you were planning a party with
Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and
why?
Colleen Coble
and Kristin Billerbeck (because they’re my besties), Francine Rivers (because I
so admire her work), Karen Kingsbury and Rachel Hauck (because they’re just delightful
women), and Mae Nunn (because she’ll keep us all laughing).
Now let’s do that for a party for
Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and
why?
I’m going to
include Colleen again because she writes both! Also Robin Lee Hatcher, Tamera
Alexander, Tracie Peterson, Lauraine Snelling, and Lori Copeland
Many times, people (and other authors)
think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most
difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?
Every book is a
new challenge. You’d think 25 books in, you’d have it down pat! But every book
has its struggles. Sometimes the whole book is like pulling teeth. Other times
the ending won’t come to you, and you fret over it for weeks, or write three
different endings before you figure it out. And then there’s the whole issue of
sales. If your book doesn’t sell well—something that is out of your hands—you
may not get another contract.
Tell us about the featured book.
Creative and
complicated, Jade McKinley felt like a weed in a rose garden growing up in
Chapel Springs. When she left, she thought she’d never look back. But now,
pregnant, alone, and broke, she has no other choice but to return.
The mayor of
Chapel Springs, Daniel Dawson, has been an honorary member of the McKinley
family for years. While his own home life was almost non-existent, Daniel fit
right into the boisterous McKinley family. He’s loved Jade for years, but she
always saw him as a big brother. Now that she’s back, his feelings are stronger
than ever.
As Jade attempts
to settle in, nothing feels right. God seems far away, she’s hiding
secrets from her family, and she’s strangely attracted to the man who’s always
called her “squirt.” Finding her way home may prove more difficult
than she imagined.
Please give us the first page of the book.
Jade McKinley
lowered the stove to medium and returned the chicken breasts to the pan. What had she gotten herself into? She
should’ve agreed to meet him at a restaurant instead of in the tiny apartment
she shared with her friends. But it had seemed easier, meeting on her own turf
with Izzy in the next room watching the Jane Austen marathon on PBS.
“There’s a
bottle of merlot in the cupboard,” Izzy called. “You can serve it if you want.”
The phone rang.
“Can you get that?” Jade opened the cabinet and reached for the wine. She hoped
it was okay. She never drank, didn’t really like the taste.
Izzy entered the
kitchen a few minutes later, wincing. “Uh, Jade?”
“He’s not
coming, is he? That’s okay. Seriously, I was having second thoughts anyway.”
And thirds and fourths. “I didn’t even want this date, remember?”
“Chill, girl.
That was work calling. They need me on the late shift. Someone’s sick.”
“Oh.”
“I really need
the hours.”
Jade bit her
lip. Nick had been coming to the diner for months. He’d sat in her station
every time, and after weeks of his persistence, she’d relented to one date.
“Seriously,
girl,” Izzy said gently. “You gotta get back on the horse. Aaron’s been gone a
long time. Give the guy a chance.”
A knock sounded
at the front door.
“Gotta get
dressed.” Izzy rushed from the room before Jade could protest.
She checked the
table as she passed, then opened the door to Nick, remembering why she’d
finally given in. Puppy dog eyes and an easy smile.
“Hey,” he said.
“You look nice. Like a beautiful gypsy.”
How can readers find you on the Internet?
I have the first chapter of Dancing with Fireflies on my
website: www.DeniseHunterBooks.com
. I also regularly give books away to my newsletter members, and you can sign
up for that on my website.Don't miss Denise Hunter's latest Chapel Springs Romance, Dancing with Fireflies. Reviewers have already labeled Dancing with Fireflies "swoon-worthy" and "the perfect love story."
Join Denise in celebrating the release of her new book by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway and RSVPing for her April 10th Facebook party.
One winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle Fire HDX
- Dancing with Fireflies and Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter
Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!
Thank you, Denise, for sharing your new book with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Dancing with Fireflies - Christianbook.comDancing with Fireflies (A Chapel Springs Romance) - Amazon
Dancing with Fireflies (A Chapel Springs Romance) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
28 comments:
Denise Hunter is a great writer and I would love to be a winner for Dancing With Fireflies. Great writers write great books! Thank you, Lena!
Melanie Backus, TX
Lena, I enjoyed learning about Dancing With Fireflies by Denise.
It looks like a great read . Love the cover.
Thank you
Ohio
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Melanie and Jackie. And thank you, Lena for hosting me!
I love Denise's books! Can't wait to read this one.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Cathy from BC Canada
I always love Denise's books and would love to win a copy of DANCING WITH FIREFLIES!! Thank you for sharing the delightful interview and giveaway opportunity.
Britney Adams, TX
I have not had a chance to read anything by Denise yet. I HAVE to change that! Great interview!
Amy C
VA
I would love to win a copy of Dancing With Fireflies. While I haven't read any of Denise's books, I've heard that she is one of the best authors out there!
Blessings!
Judy B from Indiana
Dancing With Fireflies sounds good. Want to see what happens to this pregnant lady. sharon, CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sounds great! Thanks for the giveaway!
Melissa O from NC
I enjoyed the first page thank you & I love the cover.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
I have read all of Denise's books and am a big fan.....can't wait to read this one!
Thanks for the giveaway.
Jackie from Georgia
jacsmi75 at gmail dot com
This sounds like a wonderful book - I would love to read it! Blessings to both of you! Jeanie in Phoenix
I think I've only read one of Denise's books. Looking forward to the opportunity to read this one.
Patty in SC
I would love to win a copy of this book.
California
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
This book comes highly recommended to me by a friend! I have so enjoyed the books by Denise I've read so far and this cover really grabs me. I would love to win it! Thanks for the opportunity!
Diana in SC
dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com
Portsmouth, VA
I think your books look AWESOME Denise and I would to win the copy of this book "Dancing With Fireflies" It will give me chance to finally read one your books, which I'm very sure will be an amazing story to read!!! Thanks for the awesome giveaway Denise Hunter and God Bless You!!!
Sarah Richmond
North Carolina
Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond Bryant
Conway,SC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com
thank you for the opportunity to read this wonderful novel.
karenk...from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Sounds like a great book.
Jean Kropid
West Palm Beach, FL
Dancing with Fireflies sounds like a good story. I haven't read anything yet by Denise.
Tennessee
Wow! I can only imagine a few reasons how and why Jade goes from a first date in her apartment to moving home pregnant and alone happened. Now I'm dyeing to find out!
Kristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com
I love Denise's books. I'm excited about this latest one. Please enter me in the drawing to win a copy.
Thanks!
~Cindi Altman from PA
I would love to win and read this book.Thanks...Jackie Tessnair N.C.
I would love to read Dancing with Fireflies. Denise is a new author to me.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in NY
I just finished Barefoot Summer, and I would love to continue this series.
Kelly from Prescott, Arizona
Thank you for the opportunity.
KellysShining(at)gmail(dot)com
I just finished Barefoot Summer, and I would love to continue this series.
Kelly from Prescott, Arizona
Thank you for the opportunity.
KellysShining(at)gmail(dot)com
I loved every minute of this series! The romance was wonderful, I laughed and cried through out this book. I'd love to win a free copy of it!
Sara McCarley, Alabama
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