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)
- AmazonDancing 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.
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Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
