I’m thrilled to share my latest Jen’s Jewels column featuring LIME JUICE MONEY by Jo Morey—a suspenseful novel set deep in a lush jungle that hooked me from the very first page. With vivid details, complex characters, and emotional depth that lingered long after I finished, this story truly stayed with me. I had a wonderful time chatting with Jo about the inspiration behind the book and how she brought such a captivating world to life. Curious to learn more? Keep reading for the full interview! Jen: The setting in LIME JUICE MONEY is lush, dangerous, and deeply atmospheric. What inspired you to place this story in the Belizean jungle, and how did you research the environment so vividly?Jo: The novel actually started as a vision I had of a woman – lonely but not alone, and she was stuck in a jungle somewhere but initially, I didn’t know where. I was captivated by Belize when I visited for the first time over fifteen years ago. I realized it would make a fantastic setting for this story. It’s a small country but so rich with culture, incredibly friendly people, and dangerous animals. It seemed like the perfect cocktail for a…

Each Friday the Smashwords store reports the bestselling indie fiction titles based on the previous week’s sales. If an author has more than one title eligible for the list, only the highest performing title will be included. This ensures high-performing titles receive the accolades they deserve, while providing up-and-coming authors the visibility they have earned. Don’t miss Monday’s Top 10 Hot Preorders List, where Smashwords will provide a list of the most highly anticipated ebook preorders.

How would you describe your family or your childhood?Is “non-existent” too harsh? Harsh or not, it’s the truth. When I was a few days old, my birth parents left me at The Gate of Hope in Singapore, wrapped in rags to hide how sick I was. Maybe they didn’t know that what looked so bad was only eczema and jaundice—both easily treatable. I was raised by Sisters at the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus. They, along with the other orphans, are the only family I’ve ever had. It could have been worse, though. I got an education I might not have otherwise received, and I learned I could be more than a maid, even though that was all that was expected of me. I was the only orphan from CHIJ who made it. I only wish I could show everyone in Singapore who I became—but there’s no way to celebrate my wins without losing the life I’ve created. What was your greatest talent?My fighting spirit. I was never going to just accept what little the world gave me. I saw at a young age that if I wanted to change my station in life, I would have to make…

What is the title of your latest release?FONSECA What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?A British novelist makes a difficult trip to Mexico with her young son, seeking money and inspiration, but nothing goes to plan. Based on the mystery surrounding Penelope Fitzgerald’s real journey in 1952. How did you decide where your book was going to take place?I knew it would be set in Saltillo, Mexico, because that is where Fitzgerald went. Interestingly, she never spoke of the trip after she returned and years later when she mentioned it in an essay she called the town “Fonseca,” perhaps a rueful invention, as in Latin it means “dry well.” So her fictionalizing the town’s name gave me room and I decided to make my Fonseca a little magical. Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?Absolutely, though it would probably be a little awkward for both of us. She is British and I would be in awe because she has been my favorite writer for years. What are three words that describe your protagonist?Witty, determined, and patient. What’s something you learned while writing this book?That I wish I could draw. Fitzgerald was an amateur artist and very…

What is the title of your latest release?BONES AT THE CROSSROADS What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?Oooh! I’d like to say BONES AT THE CROSSROADS is the second installment in the BATR trilogy where we follow our lead Malik Baron as he navigates the pressures of Fall semester, classes, homecoming drama, and deadly secrets all the while trying to learn how to control his ancestral magic! How did you decide where your book was going to take place?The homecoming. It’s something that I heard my friends and family who attended a HBCU talk about. The royalty, the legacy, and the sense of community. I never got to experience those things, so I wanted Malik to! Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?Well, yes! Me and Malik share a lot of similarities. What are three words that describe your protagonist?Beautiful. Complex. Powerful. What’s something you learned while writing this book?That Malik is not your typical YA hero. He’s flawed and even though he is brushed away sometimes because of those flaws, it’s what makes him beautiful. I also am healing my inner-teenager while writing this book and coming to terms with things that happened in my…

Romance is a genre known for its ability to ignite a spark, but there’s something undeniably compelling about the slow burn. It’s the kind of romance that simmers over time, building tension with every stolen glance, lingering touch, or whispered word. In the realms of fantasy and paranormal romance, where high-stakes worlds collide with magic, monsters, and mystery, the slow burn becomes even more captivating. These stories not only make us yearn for the romance to unfold but also immerse us in rich, imaginative settings that heighten the anticipation. A slow-burn romance isn’t just about dragging out the inevitable; it’s about depth, development, and emotional payoff. These stories often explore themes like trust, vulnerability, and understanding, as the protagonists navigate not only their feelings but also the perilous worlds around them. The stakes are higher when love might cost them their lives, alliances, or destinies. And yet, the slow burn rewards its audience by making every touch, every confession, every moment of closeness feel monumental. In fantasy and paranormal romance, the slow burn is an art form. It’s the meeting of star-crossed lovers from warring factions, the mortal and immortal torn apart by the sands of time, or the enemies…

Planning a wedding is stressful enough—but throw in a murder, a mob grudge, and some very opinionated Greek mamas, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for matrimonial mayhem! In MY BIG FAT FATAL WEDDING, boutique owner and accidental sleuth Kalli Ballas along with her detective fiancé must survive their Big Day without losing their sanity…or someone else losing their life. Add in psychic Sunny Meadows, her detective husband, her gifted children, and The Tasty Trio for triple the fun! Here’s a peek at what this wild ride entails—one letter at a time: M – Mobsters crashing the party with unfinished businessY – Yelling, mostly from the Greek mamas about centerpieces and cake B – Bridesmaid drama, dog tuxedos, and binder-overloadI – Insatiable sweet tooths (watch out for the cookie thieves!)G – Greek traditions…with a life-size Aphrodite statue or two F – Family feuds with flair and powdered sugarA – Allergies, animals, and a lot of opinionsT – Tarot warnings and psychic kids with floating spoons F – Frenemies with secrets, lies, and possibly motivesA – Altercations at the bakery and suspicious vendorsT – The Tasty Trio bringing more trouble than gifts A – Accidents that might not be so accidentalL…

Welcome to August! I have always been a sucker for the crafty amateur sleuth, not only for the wit and smart, but also the ones who use their hands and imaginations to make things that spark joy. I spent a lot of years making things out of popsicle sticks, construction paper, and copious amounts of glue. I never waded into the top-tier crafts, like crocheting or knitting, but I adore the things that are created by these amazing people who’ve mastered the knit once, pearl two. So let’s dive into some sassy sleuths who also make those super cool things we love to collect and sleep under and gift to our favorite people. First we have CRAFTING FOR MURDER: A Gasper’s Cove Cozy Mystery by Barbara Emodi. Get ready for some serious fun and sewing! I adore the family connections here as well as learning about sewing from a master. By now, I’m sure you’re aware I love laughing and getting right on into those family dynamics. This hits all the right notes, so enjoy the community, the lessons, and the solving of a murder, of course. Next up, we have SEAMS LIKE THE PERFECT CRIME: An Anastasia Pollack Crafting…

One big wish on our wish list for our 109-day go West trip in 2021 was the Badlands. Just by the name, without seeing any photos, or having an idea of what it looks like, people will say are you going to the Badlands? Why yes, of course, we would answer. It’s on the list. When we arrived and I saw it, I started calling it the Big Badlands, because 244,000 acres of, hot, dry, land, is vast. And there’s even a map which reads ‘the Big Badlands’ so I wasn’t the first to name it so. So, what are the Badlands? Badland formations are found on every continent. Dry climate, sedimentary rocks, canyons, and pinnacles make up areas known as badlands. Badlands National Park in the US is ours. It is a desolate and visually stunning place to visit. And in the summer, it is hot. This sun-bleached map will give you an idea of the size of the Badlands and where it ends and begins. The extreme heat and the sun here will bake everything. Bring water and wear a big hat. ‘When the Lakota came here, they saw Paha ska (white hills) – a place of bountiful…

What is the title of your latest release?BLESS YOUR HEART. If you’re not from the South, you might think it’s sweet. It’s not! What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?Although I’m one of those obnoxious people who strikes up conversations in elevators, I actually am horrible at elevator pitches. Can’t we just talk about the weather? But… “A rich man from one of Atlanta’s most prominent families has been murdered and it’s up to a working-class detective to find out which one of the city’s upstanding citizens is a killer.” How did you decide where your book was going to take place?I was sitting at a Little League game in Atlanta and somehow my mind drifted to murder! And then I went and got ice cream and the thought passed. The idea of murder in Atlanta, however, stuck with me and the book began to take shape. Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?All day long. We’d go see a movie and then bond over cheese dip at Taqueria del Sol. What are three words that describe your protagonist?Mother. Decent. Judgmental. What’s something you learned while writing this book?That I’m a terrible speller. Seriously, spell-check was…