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Catherine Castle

~ Romance for the Ages

Catherine Castle

Tag Archives: Jennifer Slattery

Tasty Tuesdays–Sweet and Sassy California Chicken Salad from Jennifer Slattery

09 Tuesday Jun 2020

Posted by Catherine Castle in food, Tasty Tuesdays

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Tags

Building a Family, Chicken salad, Christian romance, food, Jennifer Slattery, recipe, Sweet romance, Tasty Tuesdays

I love experimenting with different flavors and tweaking old recipes to make them new. I also love inspecting whatever my husband orders at a restaurant, if he enjoys it, and trying to make that menu item at home. The results can be awesome or incredibly frustrating.

This salad, which I’ll call the Sweet and Sassy California Chicken Salad, turned out to be awesome. It arose, initially, from a Chinese salad my husband had when we were in California but soon morphed into the Sweet and Sassy version when I learned our daughter, who’s not a fan of soy sauce but loves anything citrusy, was coming home from college for the weekend.

Ingredients:

For the chicken marinade:

¼ C orange juice concentrate (do not dilute)

¼ C olive oil

¼ C lemon juice

2 large cloves minced garlic

¼ C balsamic vinegar (or white rice vinegar)

5 basil leaves, chopped

½ teaspoon sage

½ teaspoon salt

 

Directions:

Mix the above ingredients together and marinade chicken in it for at least three hours. I used four chicken breasts, though there’s enough marinade for six, maybe more.

 

For salad:

¼ head of green cabbage

½ head of red cabbage

1 beet, peeled and grated

2 oranges, peeled and sliced (or substitute with mandarin orange slices)

1 red pepper, julienned

¼ to ½ C slivered almonds

 

For dressing:

¼ C orange juice from concentrate

¼ C olive oil

¼ lemon juice

¼ C vinegar of choice (I like balsamic)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp sage

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

Grill the chicken. We prefer a charcoal grill, and really enjoyed the smoky flavor. While chicken is grilling, mix the salad ingredients together, and then serve onto individual plates. Mix the dressing ingredients together and set aside. When the chicken is done, slice each breast into bite sized pieces and place it one breast worth on top of each salad. Drizzle with the dressing. And dig in!

 

Can you think of any other ingredients I could’ve added? Share your ideas with me in the comments below!

 

While you’re waiting for the chicken to marinade, check out Jennifer’s book

Building a Family

 

Can love for two little matchmakers unite their reluctant hearts?

Worried that Noah Williams is still the reckless bull rider she remembers, Kayla Fisher is convinced he isn’t the right person to care for their orphaned niece and nephew. Now she’s back home, determined to fight for custody. But Noah is a changed man, and he intends to prove it. When Noah and Kayla start falling for each other, could raising the children together be the perfect solution?

Buy it HERE

 

 

About the Author:

Jennifer Slattery is a writer and national speaker who has addressed women’s groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation. She hosts Life Audio’s Faith Over Fear Podcast and maintains devotional blogs found at Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud and on Crosswalk. As the founder of Wholly Love Ministries, she and her team partner with churches to facilitate events designed to help women rest in their true worth and live with maximum impact. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves going on mall dates with her adult daughter and coffee dates with her hilariously fun husband. Contact her HERE to book her for your next women’s event.

 

 

 

 

 

Tasty Tuesdays–Southwest Skillet Dinner from Jennifer Slattery

30 Tuesday Apr 2019

Posted by Catherine Castle in Recipes, Tasty Tuesdays

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Tags

budget friendly meal, Jennifer Slattery, Restoring Her Faith, Southwest Skillet Dinner, Tasty Tuesdays

Today’s guest on Tasty Tuesdays is author Jennifer Slattery with a quick, budget friendly Southwestern Skillet Dinner. Welcome, Jennifer.

Thanks, Catherine.

If you’ve been around writers for any length of time, you likely know two things:

It’s not the most lucrative profession, and when deadlines hit, there’s likely time for little else. Therefore, we’re always looking for quick, easy, and economical meals that can allow us to feel as if we haven’t completely neglected our family.

I suspect all women trying to juggle the demands of family, careers, and just plain life can relate. If so, I hope you find this time-and-budget friendly meal helpful.

 

Writer’s Southwest Skillet Dinner

 

Ingredients:

5 red potatoes

12 oz frozen corn

2 lbs ground beef

2 Cups salsa

1 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp salt (optional)

1 tsp cumin

 

Optional additions:

Jalepeño slices

2 Cups of cheese (topping once cooked)

Cube potatoes and microwave, in a bit of water, for 2-3 minutes. Brown meat, drain grease, and mix in spices. Add corn and salsa and cook until thoroughly heated. Top with cheese if desired and serve.

 

While you’re waiting for dinner to heat, take a peek at Jennifer’s book blurb for Restoring Her Faith.

 

She left belief behind…Yet this family could change her mind.

With two boys to raise, a fledgling contracting business to run and a family ranch to keep afloat, widower Drake Owens finds his hands aren’t just full they’re overflowing. When Faith Nichols is hired to help him renovate the church, he’s drawn to the beautiful artist, but he can’t fall for a woman who isn’t a believer. Can love restore her faith and his heart?

You can find Restoring Her Faith here. 

 

About the Author:

Jennifer Slattery is a writer and international speaker who’s addressed women’s groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation. She’s the author of six contemporary novels maintains a devotional blog found at Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud . She has a passion for helping women discover, embrace, and live out who they are in Christ. As the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries, she and her team partner with churches to facilitate events designed to help women rest in their true worth and live with maximum impact. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves going on mall dates with her adult daughter and coffee dates with her hilariously fun husband.

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers–Dancing in the Rain by Jennifer Slattery

11 Wednesday Jul 2018

Posted by Catherine Castle in books, Romance, Wednesday Writers

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Tags

Catherine Castle Wednesday Writers series, Dancing in the Rain, Inspirational romance, Jennifer Slattery, summer camp

Today Wednesday Writers welcomes Jennifer Slattery back to the blog. Just in time for summer fun, Jennifer will be talking about the inspiration for her romance novel Dancing in the Rain. Just reading her post took me back to my own days of summer fun. Welcome, Jennifer.

 

Thanks, Catherine.

It’s one of those childhood rites of passage—campfires, sleeping on bunks lined five or six to a room, feeding every mosquitoes within a 100 mile radius. (It seems I have the sweetest blood around!)

I’ve only been to an actual summer camp once, and though I don’t remember much of it, my camp counselor has remained firmly planted in my memory. She seemed so grown, was absolutely beautiful, and had an amazing singing voice. Though I was younger than third grade (as we moved the summer before then), I still remember the song she sang each night: Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Summer camp and the people we meet there have a way of sticking with us. Though my experience at a formal camp was short, I spent many summers camping out with my family. Back then, you could pretty much drive to wherever you wanted, hike a short distance, and pitch a tent.

My dad liked to forge his own trail, machete in hand as he hacked away at low-lying vines and branches. This always felt like such an adventure, and many times it was, like when we pitched our ten in between two slowly trickling streams only to wake up in a torrential storm with water surging on either side of us. If we didn’t vacate soon, we’d be surging with it!

Ah, the summertime memories, of which my co-author, Eileen Rife, has an abundance. While growing up, her parents served at a Christian camp, so many of her formidable years were filled with carols sung at dusk, horse rides, an abundance of sloppy Joes, and all those other special moments that make camp memorable.

In Dancing in the Rain, a romance set, largely, at a Christian camp, Eileen shares her experiences, through Loni and Michael, with all of you, adding a layer of community so many of us long for. A community that’s far from perfect but stands strong when life hits hard.

What about you? Did you go to summer camp? Any fun or especially memorable moments to share? If you didn’t go to summer camp, did you go tent or cabin camping as a kid? Where was your favorite camping destination? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

 

Dancing in the Rain

By Eileen Rife and Jennifer Slattery

 

On the verge of college graduation, Loni Parker seeks employment as a music teacher, but no one will hire her since she’s blind. Or so she thinks. To take her mind off her troubles, her roommate invites her to spring retreat at Camp Hope in the gorgeous North Carolina mountains.

Unbeknownst to Loni, Michael Ackerman, the director, is an ex-con responsible for the accident that caused her blindness. When Loni warms up to camp and wants to return as a summer counselor, Michael opposes the idea, which only makes Loni want to prove herself all the more. Though she doesn’t expect to fall for the guy. Still, her need for independence and dream of teaching win out, taking her far away from her beloved Camp Hope . . . and a certain director.

Camp director Michael Ackerman recognizes Lonie instantly and wants to avoid her at all costs. Yet, despite the guilt pushing him from her, a growing attraction draws him to the determined woman. She sees more with her heart than the average person does with his eyes. But her presence also dredges up a long-buried anger toward his alcoholic father that he’d just as soon keep hidden. When circumstances spin out of control, Michael is forced to face a past that may destroy his present.

Want to read more? Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CSH8F97

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

 

About the Author:

Jennifer Slattery is a writer and international speaker who’s addressed women’s groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation. She’s the author of six contemporary novels maintains a devotional blog found at http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/. She has a passion for helping women discover, embrace, and live out who they are in Christ. As the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries, (http://whollyloved.com) she and her team partner with churches to facilitate events designed to help women rest in their true worth and live with maximum impact. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves going on mall dates with her adult daughter and coffee dates with her hilariously fun husband. Connect with her on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/JenSlatte) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/).

 

Wednesday Writers–Jennifer Slattery Sometimes It Takes a Hurricane

11 Wednesday Feb 2015

Posted by Catherine Castle in Author Catherine Castle's blog, books, Wednesday Writers

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Catherine Castle blog, Christians helping in crisis, contemporary romance, Hurricane Katrina, Jennifer Slattery, Missional Rmance, Wednesday Writers, When Dawn Breaks

WhenDawnBreaks_N154102_300dpiRGB

 

Jennifer Slattery is back on Wednesday Writers today. Jennifer visited last year. If you missed her earlier posts featuring her other books you can click here and here. This time she’s talking about hurricanes, which is quite appropriate as a hurricane is the inciting incident in her newest book When Dawn Breaks.

 

 

Sometimes it Takes a Hurricane

After all the times my first impressions have been shattered, you’d think I’d learn. It certainly shouldn’t have taken a major catastrophe, but it did.

When we first moved to the deep south of Louisiana, with it’s mammoth churches filled with formally attired patrons, I thought for sure everyone around me was shallow. Overly formal. Dare I say… stuffy? Coming from shorts and flip-flop wearing California, where worship leaders could serve barefoot without anyone batting an eye, I found this new environment odd. I was accustomed to a much more laid back atmosphere. Formal choir? Had never seen one, except maybe on television.

But here I sat, listening to one of the best preachers I’d encountered, surrounded by starch, nylons, and suits and ties.

I felt a lot like my hero, Jonathan Cohen from When Dawn Breaks did when he attended church with his southern sister. And if asked about my casual attire, I’d respond much like he did when asked the same, “I thought we were here to see Jesus, not for a fashion shoot.”

Of course, no one asked me a thing. In fact, I was shown nothing but kindness and hospitality, often with the inclusion of a five-course meal. (If you’ve never been invited to dinner by a true southerner, you’re missing out!)

Needless to say, my initial misjudgments began to fade, even if I did continue to feel a tad out of place.

But when Katrina hit, it was all hands on deck as everyone scrambled to deal with the biggest catastrophe many of us had encountered in our lives.

And those “stuffy” Christians… they turned out in droves. In fact, they were the first ones to respond, ready to help their broken, fallen man. Any misjudgments and false assumptions that might have continued to linger were torn to shreds. In their place grew a deep admiration as I watched the love of Christ pour through these precious, fancy dressed men and women.

I learned something that day, something I knew all along but had somehow allowed myself to forget. To quote our Heavenly Father:

“Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 NLT).

Can you relate? It’s funny how easy it is to judge that which feels foreign or different to us. Aren’t you glad God looks deeper? May He help us to do the same.

 

headshot2013About the Author:

Jennifer Slattery writes soul-stirring fiction for New Hope Publishers, a publishing house passionate about bringing God’s healing grace and truth to the hopeless. She also writes for Crosswalk.com, Internet Café Devotions, and the group blog, Faith-filled Friends. When not writing, Jennifer loves going on mall dates with her teenage daughter and coffee dates with her handsome railroader husband.

Visit with Jennifer online at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud. 

Her debut novel, Beyond I Do, is currently on sale at Amazon for under $4 (print and kindle version)! You can get that here: amazon.com/Beyond-I-Do–

 

When Dawn Breaks:

As the hurricane forces Jacqueline to evacuate, her need for purpose and restitution propel her north to her estranged and embittered daughter and into the arms of a handsome new friend. However, he’s dealing with a potential conspiracy at work, one that could cost him everything, and Jacqueline isn’t sure if he will be the one she can lean on during the difficult days ahead. Then there are the three orphans to consider, especially Gavin. Must she relinquish her chance at having love again in order to be restored?

Read a free, 36-page excerpt here:

You can buy a copy here:

On Amazon:

On Barnes and Noble:

On CBD:

 

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Jennifer Slattery

01 Wednesday Oct 2014

Posted by Catherine Castle in books, Wednesday Writers

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Author interviews, Beyond I Do, Christian romance, Jennifer Slattery, missional romance

 

 BeyondIDocoverToday I’m welcoming author Jennifer Slattery to Wednesday Writers. Jennifer will be showcasing her book Beyond I Do. Jennifer, could you please tell the readers about your book.

I’d love to! Beyond I Do is about a security-seeking bride who takes a challenge made by her pastor (pre-book) seriously. Her pastor tells his congregation, “If you don’t know any single mothers, anyone dealing with poverty, or any who is homeless, you need to widen your circle.” This challenge really strikes a chord within her, and she senses God is calling her to something, but she’s not sure what. So she begins to pray. Meanwhile, she has a wedding to prepare for! But as her wedding draws near, an encounter with a battered woman and her child sparks a long-forgotten dream and a hidden passion—one that could change everything, including her fiancé.

How did you come up with the concept for this book?

That’s complicated. First, I didn’t think I could write a romance, and when I first sensed God nudging me in that direction, I balked. Some of my hesitation came from faulty pre-conceived notions of what a romance novel was. I assumed writing romance meant creating fluff and rainbow stories where the greatest conflict involved what party to go to or the effects of a bad hair day. But as my main character, Ainsley Meadow’s, story unfolded in my brain, I realized romance novels could contain great depth. More than that, I began to see what a powerful revelation of God’s grace romance stories can be, when the writer surrenders every word and plot line to their Creator.

So, in answer to your question, I feel God pricked my muse. J

 

What are you working on now? Do you have a release date for this book?

I’ll answer your second question first. Yep. Beyond I Do has already released and is available for purchase wherever books are sold. I just finished big picture edits for my second novel, When Dawn Breaks, which I believe releases in January. (Though I haven’t been given an official release day yet.) Now, I’m going to spend a few days catching up on things I’ve put off, followed by a hilariously fun day with some special friends, and then I’ll dig into my next novel, Freedom to Love, book two in what I’ve tentatively termed my Midwestern Romance series.

Do you write in more than one genre? If so, why?

Yes and (maybe) no. How’s that for an answer? I’m a regular contributor to Crosswalk.com, so I write a great deal of Christian living articles. I’ve also pitched a nonfiction I’m very excited about, though I’m not sure where that’ll go. And my stories don’t fully fit in one genre. In many ways they could be termed women’s fiction as they include a great deal of relational conflict and character growth. But then they also include a very strong romantic thread. Yes, I’m an anomaly! Actually, I’ve coined my own genre: missional romance, which is romance with depth and a strong outreach emphasis.

Missional romance. That’s an interesting sub-genre. I’ll be interested in hearing if that catches on. So is your writing process panster or a plotter? Linear or non-linear?

I’m definitely a plotter. I began as a panster and ended up with a really messed up time-line that caused a great deal of effort (and teeth-grinding frustration!) to fix. After that, I determined to begin plotting out my scenes. This also helps me ensure I have enough to carry a full novel, address each subplot equally, and create well-developed arcs. Plus, my publisher requires a chapter-by-chapter outline in proposals sent, so it helps when I have the main event and goal of each scene planned.

Along these lines, I’m very much a linear writer. I’m easily confused as it is. I can’t imagine having to go back and weave in various scenes.

Are you a procrastinator or do-it-now person?

Another interesting and complicated question! If you’d asked me pre-contract, I would’ve said I’m a do-it-now person. But deadlines change everything! When edits come in, everything else is pushed aside and I tether myself to my computer. The same thing happens during a book launch. If a radio interview or event is scheduled, I often must put some things off, like housecleaning!, until my schedule slows down. But unless I’m not feeling well (I have two chronic illnesses that can cause extreme fatigue), you’ll rarely see me twiddling my thumbs.

I understand the putting off housecleaning. That’s an issue for me, too, unless company’s coming. The garden will take precedence over housecleaning any time. It shows to the whole neighborhood. J

Next question: How have your reading (and writing) tastes evolved over the years? Do you still read the same genre of books you did as a teenager?

I had a very strange obsession with Shakespeare as a teenager, but I haven’t read or seen any of his work since. My reading now is pretty eclectic. There are few genres I don’t enjoy. Right now I’m reading Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which is awesome! The language is fascinating! I’d love to hear a linguist’s take on the book! But I also have plenty of contemporaries waiting on my shelf and in my Kindle.

Shakespeare as a teen obsession. That’s a new one. We’re actually seeing some Shakespeare this weekend at the theatre.

So, I love going to the movies. Do you? If so, what was the most recent movie you’ve seen?

Honestly, I’d much rather stay home and read a book. The actors and actresses in my brain always do a much better job! (No offense to all the television and film talent.) Though I do go to the theater on occasion, mainly for my sweet hubby’s sake. And if a book is ever turned into a movie, I’m there. But I usually prefer the book version.

Let’s give the readers a deeper peek into you. Name three interesting things most people don’t know about you.

Oh, I wish I were interesting! I suppose that’s why I write. I can live the most fascinating and unpredictable life vicariously through my characters. 😉 Let me see… I’ve always had more in common with St. Peter than Moses. (Think foot-in-mouth syndrome.) Apparently I’m quite animated—like full body, head-bobbing and all—when I write. My hubby says this is most evident when I’m sitting on a stability ball! I’ve also been known to confuse real people with my characters. Oy! Fictional worlds are wonderful places to visit, but once one does, they can be near impossible to leave!

LOL. I can just relate to the head bobbing thing. I talk to myself when I’m writing. Hubby has learned to ignore anything I say in the office unless I call his name.

It’s been a pleasure having you here today. As you say goodbye, can you leave the readers with an encapsulation of your life’s philosophy?

Absolutely! My favorite verse, my life verse and a theme in almost every novel I write, is Ephesians 2:10, which says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (NLT).

I love how Paul refers to us as masterpieces, don’t you?

This verse reminds me that I have a calling, a special role in God’s kingdom, one God planned, for me, (and you!) before I was even born. That’s pretty exciting! And I believe our greatest joy and fulfillment is found when we discover what that role is and pursue it with everything we’ve got. J Purpose changes everything and brings joy to even the most mundane of tasks.

Thanks for visiting with me, Jennifer. If you’d like to read about how Jennifer came up with the setting for her book, click HERE to read an earlier post.

Here’s an excerpt from Jennifer’s book Beyond I Do.

 

 

 

 

 

Beyond I Do:

Released Sept. 2014

Will seeing beyond the present unite them or tear them apart?

Marriage . . . it’s more than a happily ever after. Eternally more.

Ainsley Meadows, raised by a hedonist mother, who cycles through jobs and relationships like wrapping paper on Christmas morning, falls into a predictable and safe relationship with Richard, a self-absorbed socialite psychiatrist. But as her wedding nears, a battered woman and her child spark a long-forgotten dream and ignite a hidden passion. One that threatens to change everything, including her fiancé. To embrace God’s best and find true love, this security-seeking bride must follow God with reckless abandon and realize that marriage goes Beyond I Do.

 

 

Ainsley’s stomach churned as she eased into the Whispering Hills Apartments’ parking lot. Broken beer bottles and other trash littered the ground. A few tenants had draped sheets across their windows. Other windows were boarded up. One was busted in, shards of glass held in place by silver duct tape.

Please tell me this isn’t where Marie Nelson lives.

Ainsley compared the address Deborah had given her to the rusted numbers on the complex in front of her. This was the place. And from the looks of it, the very place Ainsley shouldn’t be, at least, not alone.

Her phone chimed, making her jump. She glanced at the screen. Her fiancé’s number flashed. Cutting her engine, she answered. “Hey, Richard, what’s up?” She shoved her purse and computer case under the passenger seat.

“Where are you?”

“Doing a favor for Deborah. Why, you need something?” She grabbed her pepper spray from the glove compartment.

“Who?”

As if she hadn’t talked about the woman countless times over the years. “Deborah. Eldridge, the one who told me about Christ.” And kept her from going completely insane or spiraling into rebellion when Ainsley’s home life fell apart. “Sometimes I wonder if you ever really listen.”

A pack of muscular and hard-faced men gathered around a navy pick-up watched her, causing her already queasy stomach to cramp. There were four of them, two dressed in black with thick chains draped across their neck. The largest was covered, neck and arms, with tattoos. She looked away, suddenly acutely aware of her shiny Honda Accord and department store garb.

Oh, Lord Jesus, please keep me safe.

“That Deborah. Right.” A keyboard clicked on the other end of the line. Richard was probably working on final edits on his book. “Now I remember. So you’re in Smithville?”

“Not exactly. More like…” She scanned her surroundings again, her gaze lingering on a used diaper decaying on the ground ten feet away. “More like… the Admiral Boulevard area.”

Richard made a choking noise, as if spewing coffee. “You’re where? Please tell me you are not in the crime center of Kansas City.”

Read a free, 36-page excerpt here: http://issuu.com/newhopedigital/docs/beyond_i_do_sample?e=6362996/8842858

 

 

headshot2013

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Slattery writes soul-stirring fiction for New Hope Publishers, a publishing house passionate about bringing God’s healing grace and truth to the hopeless. Her debut novel, Beyond I Do, is currently available in print and e-book format for under $10! You can find it here: http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Slattery/e/B00JKQ4ZTW/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Jennifer loves helping aspiring authors grow in their craft, and has editing slots open beginning in November. Find out more here: http://wordsthatkeep.wordpress.com/

Visit with Jennifer online at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud. 

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Jennifer Slattery

11 Wednesday Jun 2014

Posted by Catherine Castle in Blog, books, Wednesday Writers

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Beyond I Do, choosing your book setting, Jennifer Slattery, missional romance, setting in books

BeyondIDocoverToday I’m welcoming Jennifer Slattery to Wednesday Writers. Jennifer is going to be talking about how and why she chose the setting for her upcoming book Beyond I Do. Welcome, Jennifer!

***

Have you ever wondered why authors choose one particular setting over another? Is it convenience? A love—or loathing—for an area? A location that perfectly fits the characters and theme of their novel?

I suppose it’s all of those, for me, at least. Though love for an area tends to rise above other reasons, which is why it’s almost ironic my debut novel is set in the Midwest.

You see, I’m a Midwest transplant. I was born and raised in northern Washington with its tree-covered mountains, tulip fields, and easy access to the beach. From there, I spent a short period in the small Midwestern railroad town of North Platte, Nebraska. It was here my husband and I bought our first house, went to our first Cattle Baron’s Ball, and had our precious little princess.

And yet, despite all those wonderful firsts, I was NOT a fan of the Midwest. It was too cold. Or too hot. And had way too many tornadoes.

A few more moves over the years—from California to Texas to Louisiana then back to the Midwest—brought an older, wiser, and simple Jennifer Slattery to Nebraska. One who receives great pleasure from each of the four seasons and has come to appreciate the neighborly feel so characteristic of this area.

As a fairly recent transplant but one enjoying every fallen autumn leaf and newly budded springtime flower, I decided to set a novel in a neighborhood, though fictional, that reminded me of one my husband and I visited often.

It’s called the Brookside neighborhood, and it’s located just south of the Plaza in the Kansas City. The neighborhood itself is small, but a cluster of houses with old growth trees and screened in porches. The grocery store’s in walking distances, as is the quaint yet bustling coffee shop known as the Roasterie. My husband and I spent many mornings at this coffee shop. It’s funny, really. We’d drive a good thirty minutes, past Scooters and Starbucks and all the other wonderful coffee houses en route, to purchase a latte.

We’d sip it slowly, me working on my computer and him catching up on all the latest sports articles. Then we’d spend the next couple of hours, walking hand-in-hand, window shopping.

There was a candle shop that smelled of candy and cinnamon. A place to get your shoes fixed that reminded me of the 1950s, not that I’ve lived in that era, but you know, there’s TV. A restaurant that was as small as it was delicious—maybe a dozen or so stores. Just enough.

This was the neighborhood I based Ainsley’s off of—one where everyone knew and watched out for one another and where the older residents spent their summer evenings rocking on their front porch. Because that was something I wanted to come out strongly in the novel—the sense of community I’ve come to love most about the Midwest.

 

Beyond I Do:

 Marriage . . . it’s more than a happily ever after. Eternally more. Ainsley Meadow’s encounter with a woman, her child, and their abuser sparks a passion that threatens her engagement. Will seeing beyond the present unite her and her fiancé or tear them apart? Raised by a hedonist mother, who cycles through jobs and relationships like wrapping paper on Christmas morning, falls into a predictable and safe relationship with Richard, a self-absorbed socialite psychiatrist. But as her wedding nears, a battered woman and her child spark a long-forgotten dream and ignites a hidden passion. One that threatens to change everything, including her fiancé. To embrace God’s best and find true love, this security-seeking bride must follow God with reckless abandon and realize that marriage goes Beyond I Do.

***

headshot2013Jennifer Slattery writes Missional Romance for New Hope Publishers, a publishing house passionate about bringing God’s healing grace and truth to the hopeless. Her debut novel, Beyond I Do, is currently available for preorder at a 26% off discount. You can find it here: http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-I-Do-Jennifer-Slattery/dp/1596694173/

Visit with Jennifer online at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.

 

 

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