DANCING WITH FIREFLIES - Denise Hunter - One Free Book on This Blog, Plus More

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

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 10th. Winner will be announced at the Dancing with Fireflies Facebook Party on April 10th. Connect with Denise for an evening of prizes, book chat, and an exclusive look at the next book in the series.

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.com
Dancing with Fireflies (A Chapel Springs Romance) - Amazon
Dancing with Fireflies (A Chapel Springs Romance) - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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