In this week’s Jen’s Jewels, bestselling author Robin Jones Gunn takes us on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Africa with her latest novel, TEA WITH ELEPHANTS. Join us as Robin shares the inspiration behind the enduring friendship of Fern and Lily, the magic of Kenya’s tea fields and wildlife, and the profound spiritual growth that comes from navigating life’s uncertainties. From personal reflections to travel adventures, Robin’s words offer a heartfelt exploration of faith, friendship, and the beauty found in life’s wildest moments. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that beautifully blends faith, adventure, and the power of lifelong friendships!   Jennifer Vido: Fern and Lily have shared a close friendship for over two decades. How did you approach writing their relationship, and what do you think makes their bond so enduring despite the distance and life changes? Robin Jones Gunn: I receive a lot of mail from readers, and I pay attention to the life issues they share with me. I kept those heart-felt challenges in mind when I crafted Fern and Lily. The bond of the two characters over the years and over the miles is based on two women I know who managed to remain close…

Welcome back, book lovers, to another sparkling edition of Jen’s Jewels! This week, we’re diving into the world of Kit Tosello‘s novel, THE COLOR OF HOME. Get ready for a heartwarming journey through small-town charm, personal redemption, and the power of faith. Kit opens up about crafting compelling characters, weaving sensitive themes, and finding inspiration in real-life experiences. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary women’s fiction or simply love a good story about second chances, you won’t want to miss this insightful interview. So grab your favorite beverage, settle into your coziest reading nook, and join us as we uncover the gems behind this award-winning author’s work.   Jennifer Vido: Audrey Needham is such a compelling character, balancing her high-stress career with deeply personal challenges. How did you develop her character, and what aspects of her journey do you think readers will relate to the most? Kit Tosello: I’ve had a taste of the career pressure Audrey faces, as I’m sure many of us have. At some point we have to consider: How much of my stress is self-inflicted due to ambition and/or perfectionism? Am I where I’m truly meant to be? Do my go-to coping strategies still serve me,…

Romance readers, take note: this week’s Jen’s Jewels interview brings you an exclusive look into Kristen Ashley’s latest novel, EMBRACING THE CHANGE. Part of the captivating River Rain series, this book promises a compelling blend of love, loss, and unexpected twists. Ashley opens up about the creation of Nora Ellington and Jamie Oakley, two characters whose journey from friendship to romance is anything but straightforward. With hints of family secrets, New York high society, and the shadows of past heartbreaks, Embracing the Change delivers the emotional depth Ashley’s fans have come to expect. Dive in with us as we uncover the story behind the story and get a tantalizing peek at what’s next in the River Rain saga.   Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to create the characters of Nora Ellington and Jamie Oakley? Kristen Ashley: They came about in the telling of the River Rain Saga, when Judge’s story came up (CHASING SERENITY – book 2). Considering how that story went, we met his dad, and then I fell in love with Jamie. As per pretty much every book I’ve written, my heroine has to have a best bud (or more than one). So when I wrote Tom and…

Prepare to be captivated by the bittersweet brilliance of THE GOODBYE PROCESS in this week’s Jen’s Jewels author interview! Ever wondered what happens when a luxury realtor falls for someone helping him detach from years of plastic surgery? Or how about a professional mourner spicing up a funeral? Mary Jones’s debut short story collection is a delightful rollercoaster of emotions, blending tender moments with dark humor in the most unexpected ways. Join us as we chat with the author about her quirky characters, surreal situations, and the art of finding laughter in the face of loss. Trust me, you won’t want to say goodbye to this interview!   Jennifer Vido: In THE GOODBYE PROCESS, you explore a range of emotional landscapes, from tender to darkly funny. What drew you to these particular tones, and how do they interact within the collection as a whole? Mary Jones: Tenderness is what you would expect to find in a collection about loss, and my characters do experience these emotions: sadness, longing, anxiety, desperation. I also use humor to cope in my real life, and that comes through in these stories, too, I think. Sometimes when something bad happens, right there next to it—if…

In this week’s Jen’s Jewels column, I have the pleasure of chatting with the talented Ann Garvin about her latest novel, BUMMER CAMP. This heartwarming and humorous story is set in a quirky, family-run theater camp that serves as a haven for artistic souls—and a unique “rehab” for anxious adults seeking a place where they can belong without judgment. As Garvin delves into the complexities of sibling relationships and the search for personal growth, she introduces us to a cast of lovable misfits who are as endearing as they are relatable. Through laugh-out-loud moments and touching insights, BUMMER CAMP explores the idea of home as not just a place, but a feeling of acceptance and support. If you’re in the mood for a read that blends humor with heart, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!   Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to write about a family-run theater camp? Ann Garvin: It seemed like the perfect backstory for a camp that was a great place for a certain type of person, artistic, focused – but maybe wasn’t the biggest money maker. So, that when a “grifter” got a hold of it, we could feel it was realistic and…

In this week’s Jen’s Jewels, we dive into the world of modern media with Holly Baxter, author of the captivating debut novel CLICKBAIT. Baxter explores the chaotic and ethically murky world of clickbait journalism through the eyes of a once-successful journalist, Natasha, whose life unravels after a career-ending mistake. Set against the desolate backdrop of Rockaway Beach, CLICKBAIT blends dark comedy with serious themes, offering a sharp critique of today’s media landscape. Join us as Holly Baxter shares the inspiration behind her book, the complexities of her flawed protagonist, and her thoughts on balancing humor with darker, more serious undertones. Whether you’re a fan of sharp satire or just curious about the inner workings of a newsroom, this conversation is not to be missed!   Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to write about a disgraced journalist’s journey in the world of clickbait media? Holly Baxter: I’m the kind of sunny, optimistic person who always likes to think about the worst-case scenario – and as a journalist and a (fairly) recently married person, I decided to turn those anxieties into a book. I made Natasha make the worst mistake possible in her job that was still plausible and dumped her in…

Welcome, fellow book enthusiasts! This week’s Jen’s Jewels brings you a delightful chat with author Rea Frey about her captivating new novel, IN EVERY LIFE. Get ready to explore a world where parallel universes and “what-ifs” come to life on the page. Rea’s story weaves together love, loss, and second chances in a way that’ll tug at your heartstrings while sparking your imagination. We’ll dive into her writing process, discover what inspired this unique tale, and even learn about her fascinating role as a “book doula.” Whether you’re a die-hard fiction fan or just love peering behind the curtain of an author’s mind, this column has something special for you. So, curl up in your favorite reading spot and join us for a friendly literary adventure with Rea Frey!   Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to explore the concept of parallel universes and “what-ifs” in this novel? Rea Frey: I think a lot of us have what ifs. What if we’d chosen a different career? What if we’d moved to a different country? What if we’d picked a different partner? What if we’d chosen a grass is greener life? Would it all turn out differently? Playing with these “what ifs”…

This week’s Jen’s Jewels column shines a spotlight on Sara Goodman Confino’s captivating new novel, BEHIND EVERY GOOD MAN. Set against the politically charged backdrop of 1962, this story blends humor, heart, and historical insight as it follows Beverly, a determined housewife who finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the world of political campaigning. Confino’s novel not only entertains but also illuminates the challenges faced by women in politics and the workplace during this pivotal era. In our interview, Sara shares fascinating details about her research process, the real-life women who inspired her characters, and how she balances comedy with more serious themes. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of strong female protagonists, or simply in search of your next engaging read, you won’t want to miss this insider look at BEHIND EVERY GOOD MAN and the creative mind behind it.   Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to write a story set in the political landscape of 1962? Did any real-life historical events or figures influence the plot? Sara Goodman Confino: I think it was a combination of factors—the first was that coming off of the heels of Don’t Forget to Write, I really enjoyed the early 1960s time period…

As summer heats up, so does the suspense in Kieran Scott’s latest thriller, PEOPLE WILL TALK. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Cape May, this gripping novel unravels the dark undercurrents of a seemingly perfect wedding day. Scott masterfully weaves together themes of betrayal, ambition, and loyalty, exploring the complexities of human nature when pushed to its limits. With three women at the center of a murder investigation, the story delves into class dynamics, social media influence, and the lengths people will go to protect their reputations. Whether you’re a fan of psychological suspense or simply love a good page-turner, you won’t want to miss this revealing conversation with one of today’s most captivating authors.   Jennifer Vido: The story revolves around a wedding gone wrong. What drew you to explore the darker side of what’s typically seen as a joyous occasion? Kieran Scott: Honestly, whenever I’m doing something fun or joyous, I can’t seem to stop myself from imagining something going drastically wrong or wondering about potential dark backstories around what’s going on around me. Usually these are just fleeting thoughts that I immediately let go, but I attended a surprise wedding a few years ago and found myself…

Dive into the depths of family drama and environmental crisis with this week’s Jen’s Jewels! I’m thrilled to introduce you to debut novelist Joselyn Takacs, whose book PEARCE OYSTERS serves up a captivating blend of Louisiana’s rich coastal culture and the devastating impact of the 2010 oil spill. Takacs takes us on a journey that’s as complex and layered as the oysters her characters harvest, exploring themes of family, community, and ecological responsibility. From her unexpected inspiration to her meticulous research process, Takacs shares fascinating insights into the creation of this timely eco-fiction. Whether you’re a fan of Southern literature, environmental narratives, or simply love a good family saga, you won’t want to miss this illuminating conversation about a novel that’s making waves in the literary world.   Jennifer Vido: What inspired you to write about oyster farmers in Louisiana during the 2010 oil spill? Joselyn Takacs: Long before I began writing this novel, I was living in Louisiana after college. I was waiting tables at a French Quarter restaurant in 2010 when I heard about an explosion on an oil rig off the coast of Louisiana. That explosion preceded the largest accidental oil spill in world history. We were…