When my husband, Dan, found me camping on property I’d inherited from my grandparents, he took everything including the RV I’d been staying in since I’d left him. He dumped my few possessions in the dirt, then drove away and left me stranded in forty-four acres of wild Adirondack forest. Alone and biting back fear, I hauled my possessions through the forest to my family’s old boathouse by the lake—a gambrel roof shed with plank flooring, bare walls, and no insulation or electricity, but it was the only shelter I had. When I dropped the last bag on the plank floor two hours later, all I wanted was to eat a bag of chips, drink a cold beer, and sleep until tomorrow. But the feral cat I’d named Sinatra was waiting to be fed. And I needed a bath. I found Sinatra’s bowl, filled it with kibble, then set the bowl several feet from the boathouse where I knew he wouldn’t feel threatened. While he ate, I inspected the outhouse that sat near the wood line. The latrine door would provide privacy I probably didn’t need out here but definitely wanted. There was no toilet paper, but there were two…

This week on Jen’s Jewels, I’m thrilled to welcome bestselling author Wade Rouse, who writes under the beloved pen name Viola Shipman. Known for his heartfelt novels that celebrate family, tradition, and resilience, Wade’s latest book, THE PAGE TURNER, offers a witty and insightful look into the world of publishing, the power of storytelling, and the voices we too often silence. Inspired by his own journey and the unwavering influence of his grandmother, THE PAGE TURNER is a love letter to readers, writers, and the stories that shape our lives. Join me as we dive into the inspiration behind the novel, Wade’s personal connection to its themes, and what’s next for this talented storyteller. Jennifer Vido: THE PAGE TURNER gives readers a witty and insightful look into publishing. What drew you to this topic, and how did your real-life experiences influence the story? Wade Rouse: I recently signed a new, three-book contract, and it made me stop – as I turn sixty – to think deeply about what types of books I wanted to continue to write. That led me back to my grandma – my pen name, Viola Shipman – and to how a woman who never finished high…

Spring cleaning is necessary when living the RV lifestyle, especially if you’ve been parked in one spot for months. Recently we rolled everything up to drive our motorhome down the road to fill the gas tank. This rolling up and stowing away of everything is a necessary before going down the road, no matter what size or type of RV you have. Now our 150-gallon gas tank is filled with diesel, so we are set for the summer here in NC. Our 43-foot motorhome has a lot more space than a smaller RV, but there are still limits. A drawer or closet can only hold so much. I’ve learned the longer we are parked the more sprawl happens and the more things accumulate. Before we roll things up, sorting must happen. Donation bags get filled and dropped off.  I reorganize everything to make it fit. Sometimes it’s like doing a puzzle. One of thing I love in our home is the cedar lined closet my husband made for me. The bar was too low for my dresses, so l had looped them over hangers so they wouldn’t drag on the floor. I asked him to put a new bar as…

1–What is the title of your latest release? THE GEOGRAPHER’S MAP TO ROMANCE 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? Geography professors in a failed marriage of convenience inconveniently reconnect for an emergency mission that involves such perils as exploding rocks, wild weather, only one bed … and most daunting of all, their own relationship. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? I was looking for a place in Britain’s countryside to the set the action when I noticed that certain cities and towns were lined up exactly, and this not only gave me my story location but also a major element to the magic system in the book: the fey lines of magic that run beneath the land. 4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life? I would love to spend time with Elodie, I adore and admire her as a person—although having said that, it would have to be only an hour or two, because she has far more energy than I do! She’d also probably encourage some bold or free-spirited venture, and would no doubt consider my suggestion of “trying a new cafe” less daring than I think it…

Book Title: THE CUT Character Name: Gertie Harper How would you describe your family or your childhood? My, well, you’re a brave one to ask an old lady about her childhood! The stories I could tell, once I get started I have to stop myself from going on and on. People’s eyes just glaze over after a point, don’t they? No, it’s probably best I don’t get to reminiscing. My family, they’re not with me. But I know they’re out there somewhere, waiting for me, and I know I’ll see them again one day. What was your greatest talent? Hmm, I do fancy myself handy with the knitting needles! And if we can call it a talent, I have quite a knack for keeping up with the news. I would bet I know just about everything that goes on in this hotel. Significant other? Goodness, no! I guess I’m a spinster. I wouldn’t know what to do with a husband if I had one. Biggest challenge in relationships? Outliving them! I’m sorry, I’m sorry, at my age a touch of gallows humor does help keep the loneliness at bay, though. Where do you live? I’m one of only two permanent…

by C.J. Holmes With Easter just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to celebrate all things new—whether that’s new beginnings, hidden surprises, or exciting discoveries. Much like Easter eggs scattered in a springtime hunt, paranormal romance and fantasy series are filled with unexpected gems that reward those willing to look a little deeper. These little treasures, often hidden in plain sight, are the perfect way to revisit your favorite books and uncover new layers of intrigue, romance, and adventure. Whether it’s a familiar side character stepping into the spotlight, a secret mythology slowly revealed, or a subtle reference to something hinted at earlier in the story, these Easter eggs make rereading a series just as exciting as discovering it for the first time. They’re the little breadcrumbs authors leave to enrich the world, creating moments of sheer delight for the readers who pick up on them. The best part about these Easter eggs is how they elevate a story from the expected to the extraordinary. These sneaky details can alter the way we see the entire series, offering new insights or deepening our connection to the world the author has crafted. For those who thrive on character growth, shifting…

1–What is the title of your latest release? THE SIDEWAYS LIFE OF DENNY VOSS 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? The novel follows a loveable man with diminished mental capacity who is arrested for murder after he sets out to make the world a better place and discovers unexpected truths about himself, his family, and the world along the way. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? I’m Canadian, but I decided to set the novel in Minnesota because of the gun violence that plagues the US, which is the underlying issue that drives Denny’s story forward. Beyond that, I’ve been to Minnesota many times, have distant relatives there, and am quite comfortable with the people who live there as they’re a lot like Canadians! 4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life? Absolutely! Denny Voss is a kind, sweet and enigmatic guy. I’d hang out with him in a heartbeat. So far, when getting feedback from readers, before giving me any other comments, they often say, “First of all, I love Denny Voss!” 5–What are three words that describe your protagonist? Stubborn, Funny, Loyal. 6–What’s something you learned while writing…

Book Title: THE CALIFORNIA DREAMERS Character Name: Until 17 it is Ronan Avery Merrick…but she’ll become Ava LeClair when she grows up, runs away from her beach-van home, and leaves her family for good – she thinks. How would you describe your family or your childhood? My family of six is my entire world. We don’t go to school or mix with anyone else unless we have to. We follow waves and our father’s whims and odd jobs, and sometimes Mama throws an arrow-shaped seed pod in the air, and when it lands, we go north or south, following wherever it’s pointing. I wouldn’t trade my life for a soul-dead citizen’s. Never. My father, who’s nicknamed Cap because he wears a fishing hat when he’s not surfing, has rules that keep us safe, because outsiders can’t understand our life. Mama’s beautiful and dreamy and answers questions with questions. She leaves a lot. She goes on rambles, and we never know when she’ll return. Sometimes I wish…It doesn’t matter what I wish. She loves us. She has to go off alone. She makes orange-and-clove tinctures and sells them for money. My big brothers, Griffin and Magnus, are twins. But they’re so…

1–What is the title of your latest release? A PROPOSAL TO DIE FOR 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? White Lotus meets Bridesmaids in the story of a proposal planner trapped at a luxury mountain spa with the clients from hell. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? I needed an isolated place with the more fun elements of Appalachia, where the wealthy would spend their time. Gatlinburg, TN and the surrounding area sort of embodies that. You’ve got the Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum and multimillion dollar homes all in the same place. And that’s how I envisioned the entirely fictional Chickenhawk Valley, a little kitschy, a little luxury.  4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life? Jess is basically me when I’m planning a vacation, but all the time. So, I think we would have a wonderful, if heavily scheduled, relationship. Jess is considerate and funny, and tries to make sure the people around her are having a good time. It stems from her years as a wedding coordinator, and it’s served her well in life. 5–What are three words that describe your protagonist? Organized, snarky, smart. 6–What’s…

Instead of trying to find your perfect match in a dating app, we bring you the “Author-Reader Match” where we introduce you to authors you may fall in love with. It’s our great pleasure to present Allison Raskin! Writes: Allison writes rom coms that feature painfully relatable protagonists with mental illness. Dive into stories that explore the realistic side of love while still celebrating the magic of finally finding your person. If you are looking for a lot of laughs, good banter and some heartwarming observations about the human mind, her latest novel, SAVE THE DATE, is for you! About: Allison is multi-hyphenate who has written both fiction and non-fiction. You might recognize her from Buzzfeed video or her YouTube channel turned podcast, Just Between Us. Allison has written in pretty much every medium that exists (books, TV, features, scripted podcasts) and she is beyond excited to (finally!) join the romance genre. In addition to her career as a writer, Allison is also a vocal mental health advocate and relationship coach with a master’s degree in psychology. She has an unhealthy fixation with dogs and doesn’t enjoy long walks on the beach due to all the sand. My ideal reader…