In good company with February Releases from Love Inspired...

Jenna Mindel here, excited to report that A Soldier's Valentine is on the shelves along with a great line up of fellow Love Inspired Authors!

When preparing to write a book, I typically choose occupations for my characters that I find interesting.  Makes researching super fun getting a peek into some cool jobs.   When I first saw a glassblowing demonstration,  I was mesmerized.  Talk about the perfect kind of work for a hero...

Enter Zach Zelinsky, the latest hero of the Maple Springs series.  He's an army captain who comes home to to pursue his passion of glassblowing and gets more than he bargained for when he meets his new tenant, Ginger Carleton.

Romantic Times Magazine stated that  A Soldier's Valentine is a great read for the holiday.
I hope you think so too. ♥




 As Valentine's Day approaches, have you made any special plans how to the spend the day?


Thank you for stopping in and happy reading!
 Jenna Mindel

A book with a view....

Good Morning, Jenna Mindel here having trouble getting my current work in progress to well... work.    This is the third book of my new Maple Springs series where love is supposed to run sweet.... But not with this love story! When I pitched the premise, I had the brilliant idea to re-write an old manuscript that wasn't publishable as is, but had a couple of great characters I didn't want to leave hanging.  

In fact, my hero, Darren Zelinsky has walk ons in the first two Maple Springs books - Falling for the Mom to Be that releases the end of this summer, and then again in A Soldier's Valentine which comes out in February.  Darren's a big, quiet spoken kind of outdoorsy guy and a conservation officer for the state of Michigan's Department of Natural Resources.  (Another fascinating occupation and I think they're all rock stars!)  Anyway, Darren has had his heart badly broken, and I feel a bit protective of him, but of course I have to make him face crushing heartbreak once again, right?  LOL. 

Have any of you started a project one way and then didn't like how it looked or came together, so you redid it?  Well that's what happening here -  I started this book from the heroine's point of view like I do most of my Love Inspireds and it simply wouldn't work.  This is truly Darren's story, and as much as I want to coddle the guy - I really need to put him through the emotional ringer.  Sigh.  Easier said then done.

So, I wondered who's perspective do you look forward to reading more in a romance?  The heroine, who we as women can hopefully identify with or the hero, who we hope to also fall in love with along the way?

Thanks for your insight! 
Feel free to keep tabs on my upcoming books at my website www.jennamindel.com 

Jenna  

New cover starting a new series....

Jenna Mindel here, excited to share the cover of the first book of my new Maple Springs series.   The book doesn't release until the end of summer, but hey, might as well get the word out now, right? 

The Widow's Surprise Baby.....

When Annie Marshall discovers just weeks after her husband’s death that she’s carrying his baby, her sadness turns to hope. Scared of facing this all on her own, she reluctantly accepts the help of her husband’s best friend, Matthew Zelinsky. The kiss they shared after the funeral was just two friends comforting each other—or so she tells herself. Yet spending time together makes them wonder if what they feel is more than friendship.When people in town start raising eyebrows and her business begins to suffer from the gossip, Annie must decide if loving Matthew is worth the risk.






I'm excited about this for a several reasons.  It's my first, very own Love Inspired series, and each book I have planned highlights some really cool and unique occupations that I've encountered since living in Northern Michigan.  Also, the town of Maple Springs is inspired by the area where I currently live.   Now, I'm crazy about Northern Michigan - but I can't help but wonder if there's certain series settings that are your favorites...

What's your favorite kind of place to read about? 
  
Have a blessed day, and check out more about upcoming books in the Maple Springs series at my website jennamindel.com

Creative Focus

Good morning, Jenna Mindel here. 

Last night, my husband and I watched a really good documentary on the rock group Kansas.  They were big when I was kid, and I remember my brother had a couple of their records.  I'm showing my age here as I grew up in the days of real record albums!  But who doesn't remember that amazing song Dust in the Wind? Revisiting that particular music group, I was struck by how talented they were.  Like seriously talented.

And that got me to thinking how we were created in the image of our Creator.  When we make something out of nothing, we imitate Him.  And yet making something really good, honors Him.

One comment made at the end of the show was that throughout their journey from fledgling unknowns to mega success, Kansas was always all about the music.  Oh, to be so focused! 

As an author, I often struggle with self-doubt.  Am I good enough?  Comparing my journey to others can be creatively deadly.  And way far off the right focus. 
I create, because I was created.  And because I love romantic stories.  
My hope is that I've made good stories that honor my Creator.  Through it all, I want my focus to remain on pleasing God.  But it's not always easy.

In what ways do you seek to honor God in what you've made?

Does "Local Pride" influence setting?

I'm my case, you betcha!  Jenna Mindel here, wishing you a good morning from bitter cold Northern Michigan.  This February may go down in the record books as the coldest month in years.  If not, I imagine a few days will make that list. Last week, I woke up to -24 degrees. YIKES!

I grew up in Upstate New York, so I'm used to winter.  But since moving to Northern Michigan 16 yrs ago, I've fallen in love with this area.  Winter and really, all the seasons, are treasures of outdoor activity.  There's just something about this area that I'm enamored with.  The local agriculture and general pioneer spirit are things I really admire.  There's also the motto of keeping it local that gives the area a provincial sort of feel.  Of course, so much of it is wrapped up in luring tourists to the area as well.

I have set most of my Love Inspired books in fictional Northern Michigan towns near the Great Lakes.  And the area where I live was the inspiration for my upcoming new series set in Maple Springs, MI that debuts this September.  For me, knowing the area well has helped develop my setting, but will that appeal to readers?
Hmmm, I sure hope so. 

And that leads me to ask if there are favorite locales or settings that lure you in to read the book?  If so, what are some of those favorite settings?

Have a blessed day, and stay warm!!

Jenna :) 

Check my website for updates on my Maple Springs Series at jennamindel.com

    

  

What is it about a Christmas Tree?

Jenna Mindel here, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year! I had to share a picture of my Christmas Tree this year.  Looking up the history of the Christmas trees online, I was glad to see more than simply pagan traditions.  Christians in Germany around the 16th century were credited with starting the decorated evergreen tree tradition and Martin Luther is said to have been the first to add candles.

I'm not sure how true all that might be, but I sure do love the tradition of Christmas trees.  I'm a stickler for a cut-your-own too. The smell of freshly cut pine can't be beat.  (unless you're allergic, of course!)

Every year, I drag my husband into the woods or the tree farm not far from our house to cut down a tree.   I love the process of hunting for that special one.  You know, the one that whispers... "take me home." LOL. 

In fact, I paid homage to searching for a Christmas tree in my latest Love Inspired release, His Montana Homecoming.  It was really fun writing about it too. 



(I also love reading Christmas tree scenes!)



So what's your Christmas tree tradition?  Do you go real? Artificial? One or many?  What kind of ornaments do you prefer? 

I'd love to know here but also, if you email me through my website at www.jennamindel.com, you'll be entered in a drawing for a copy of "His Montana Homecoming."

Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Jenna

Have you ever scared yourself silly?

Jenna Mindel here wishing you all a safe and happy Labor Day!

I love the water.  I love being near it, in it and on it.  My husband and I along with 2 other couples have just returned from a houseboating vacation on the boundary waters between Minnesota and Canada.
Another one of my bucket list checkoffs and it was a blast!  But the first day was scary getting to our moor up site as the conditions were rough with high winds and good sized swells on the lake.

Maybe because I'm a writer, I can visualize the worst happening and pretty much freak myself out.   Although the houseboat was as stable as they come, my husband's 14 foot fishing boat (not pictured) was not -
at least it didn't feel like it was and I could easily imagine the thing flipping. It didn't.  In fact, we did just fine cutting through those swells.




Which brings me to my September release titled, The Deputy's New Family.  I wrote a sailing scene in this book that scared the living daylights out of me.  I had the help of a critique partner with sailing experience and YouTube.  Oh my gosh, check out sailing rough seas on Lake Michigan if you get a chance and you'll see what I mean. Scary stuff.  Add my overactive imagination, and boy oh boy, was I scared.

So am I alone? or do any of you scare yourself silly too?

The Deputy's New Family has hit the shelves.
Romantic Times magazine has given me four stars on this one.
Yay!

"Mindel's characters demonstrate how we should not let life's risks and fears hold us back..."

Feel free to email me and let me know if you were scared too as you read the sailing scene at www.jennamindel.com 

And a chatting we will go.....

Jenna Mindel here on the heels of a couple interactive days with readers that were awesome.  
Saturday, I participated in an author chat with my buddy and fellow Love Inspired (Historical) author, Christine Johnson at the lovely Olivet Book & Gift store in Alpena MI..
 Olivet Book & Gift

Christine Johnson on the left and me.

And then on Tuesday, I joined 19 Northern Michigan authors for an author fair at the Charlevoix, MI public library.   

I love to talk writing, but even better is getting a chance to meet readers.  I'm always curious to know what lures a reader to pick up a book, and then maybe (gulp) put it back down.  

One of the topics discussed in Alpena was connected books belonging to a series or trilogy.  What is it that readers like or dislike about these novels?  The information gleaned was great and the discussion lively.

And so, I thought I'd bring that question here.  What are your likes and dislikes about books in a series?





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September Release from Love Inspired.

Just in time for the next book set in LeNaro, Michigan.
My September 2014  release "The Deputy's New Family" should hit the shelves by the end of August.

Beth Ryken finally gets her man, only he's exactly what she's never wanted.  A cop! 

Check out my website for more information at www.jennamindel.com

Thank you!

Summer Loving

Jenna Mindel wondering if summer's really here.... It's chilly today in Northern Michigan and not expected to climb out of the 60's.  We'll see as the day progresses.  I live in an area that attracts summer residents and tourists alike.   Living here, I'm privileged to regularly enjoy what makes the area so special - miles of  bike paths, beaches and gorgeous sights.  I hope I never take any of it for granted.

Some of my summer favorites are jumping off our breakwall....

Picking cherries....

Going to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park...

Snorkeling the bay for famous Petoskey Stones...

Taking in the sight of the majestic Mackinac Bridge..

And bike riding but I can't seem to locate a picture.  You get the idea. :)

So, what kinds of things or places to go are you looking forward to this summer?


Check out my website for my latest books set in Northern Michigan. www.jennamindel.com

What's in a Title?

Good morning! Jenna Mindel here, working on a new book and wondering about how titles grab the reader.  Or don't.  As an author, I try to convey the emotional aspect of each book I write through a title.  Sometimes my editors accept my working title from the get-go like with my first Love Inspired novel, Mending Fences.  And sometimes they don't.  When they don't, I have to come up with something else, typically putting together a list of possibilities that my editor and I then pick from.



I remember buying a book written by Jodi Thomas because the title grabbed me from the start. And I loved that book.  It was not her usual, either.  The Secrets of Rosa Lee - something about that title, and maybe the name Rosa Lee made me curious to read more. So, I did.  :)

 
As a reader, do certain titles attract your attention?  If so, why?  

Check out my growing list of titles (I thank the Good Lord for that!) at my website. 
www.jennamindel.com

Have a great day!

For Every Season...

Spring has finally sprung in Northern Michigan.  Jenna Mindel here, and I'm an all season kind of gal.
Good thing I live where there's four distinct seasons.  Winter's my fav. I know, I know - I'm nuts, right?
Truly, I love them all, but there's something special about springtime in the Tip of the Mitt. 
It's a tender time where God's glory blossoms everywhere.

These are trillum flowers that grow all over in the woods up here. They're also protected.
I took these pictures last night in the woods next to my house.
Looking at them, I can't help but marvel at the beauty of our Creator.
He didn't have to make the tiniest things so special, but He did. And I'm grateful for it.

These are ramps or wild leeks.

Here they are dug up. Really tasty too.

Not sure what these are called but they're so delicate. Same with the yellow flower below. 
One of the big springtime wonders I'm missing are pictures of morel mushrooms.
They're up here, but not easy to find - plus spring came late. 

So tell me, what do you like most about Spring where you live?

Also, a shout out to the ladies who emailed me last month.
They each received a copy of my Jan 2014 release.  Thank you!

Check out my website www.jennamindel.com 
And find out what books come next.  

Looking for your help...

Good morning! Jenna Mindel here with a question. Okay, maybe a couple of questions. As a reader, especially a reader of Love Inspired romances, what draws you to pick up the latest copy on the shelves? Is it the cover? A favorite author, or that the book is part of a series of connected stories?

I'm currently working on a proposal for a new series, and while I know what I like in a series - that connection that keeps me coming back for more books, I was wondering about other folks' preferences.
Do you look for a common setting like a small town? A family connection,or a series built around an interesting occupation. Or even an exotic place.

Let me know your thoughts!

And if you email me your name and address through my website www.jennamindel.com  you'll be entered to win a copy of my January release, Season of Redemption.  Thanks, so much!

Bucket List

Jenna Mindel here, and proud to report completion of one bucket list item.
The weekend before Christmas my husband and I went with friends to a Green Bay Packer game at Lambeau Field.  They played Pittsburgh on a cold and snowy Sunday that was such a blast, I'd do it again in a heartbeat!  Now, I'm a Detroit Lion's fan but I've always wanted to go to an NFL football game and last month was my chance.
My husband says there's no better place to experience football than at Lambeau and despite my limited exposure to such things, I'd have to agree.
What a great time we had and a good game too, even though the Packers lost.

My husband and me   

So, what does this have to do with writing?
Well, maybe not a whole lot, but I believe my creative well was refreshed and who knows, a character might develop out of the experience.

Do you have a bucket list and if so, how many items have you checked off so far?
  

Happy New Year!

Jenna Mindel here, excited about a new year. And really excited about my new release.

Season of Redemption opens with Ryan Marsh in trouble and court ordered for a substance abuse evaluation. Of course, my heroine is an intern that fills in for and facilitates that assessment and the rest is history as they say.

Writing Ryan Marsh's story came together after many failed attempts. I knew Ryan was a tortured soul when he first showed up in Season of Dreams (Feb 2011). But he really developed as the bitter brother in Courting Hope (June 2013). And now finally, he gets a book of his own.

I've always loved reading books with connected characters, so when I began writing way back when, it seemed natural to discover the next hero or heroine from my current work in progress. How bout you? Do you have a preference for books in a series or completely unrelated tales?


A Fresh Start
After a night of mistakes and misunderstandings, Ryan Marsh thinks he's back on the road to redemption. All he needs to do is convince the court-appointed counselor that he's just fine. But when counseling intern Kellie Cavanaugh sees the stark pain in Ryan's eyes, she knows that without her help he's headed for disaster. Soon it's Kellie who's in trouble. She can't get personally involved, no matter how drawn to Ryan she might be. When they end up volunteering for the same community project, Kellie can't deny her growing feelings. Will she land exactly where she shouldn't…in love?

They grow up so fast...

Jenna Mindel here, and I bet you're thinking kids, right? Nope.

At the end of January of this year, our dog Peanut had puppies.  They are little jack-rats - a mix of a rat-terrier (Peanut) and a jack russell (puppy-daddy). 
I believe I shared a picture of the babies on my February post when they were almost 3 weeks old.  Anyway, what an experience!
So, much so, I've included a loose retelling of the emergency puppy birth in my current work in progress. 

 

My little Peanut will make her literary debut as a character when that book releases sometime next year. ♥  Check my web for details. http://www.jennamindel.com
 

What is it about our pets that we spoil them rotten and make them part of our family? 

3 weeks old

7 weeks old



6 mth puppy reunion (notice the hole)

Wallie (pup we kept) & Peanut (mom)





Catching Up From ACFW conference in Indy

Good Morning, Jenna Mindel here, a little bleary eyed from yesterday's travel home from the American Christian Fiction Writer's Conference in Indianapolis.

Indy from White River Park

What a great time I had too! This was my first experience attending ACFW and I noticed the warmth and desire to honor God with our writing above all else. Pretty cool.


It's really important to fellowship with like minded people; for encouragement, learning, whatever. I think of the saying "no man is an island". And boy, it's so true. None of us live in a void. We all touch each other. We impact people's lives. And stories touch people as well. As an author, I'm reminded of that responsibilty and it's one I pray for direction. I pray I get it right.


In what ways have you been touched by a book?

What Makes a Great Sandwich?

Jenna Mindel here.  I love sandwiches! I love eating them, I love ordering them, I love making them...  The other day when I was building one of my oh-so-good turkey,cranberry and goat cheese on french bread sammie's, I got to thinking how close making a good sandwich paralells the ingrediants for a good romance.

Sure, individual tastes differ, some like it spicy, some on the blander side, and some like it stacked sky high with meat.  And like a good sandwich - romance has structure.  A way to put things together with care and attention.  A sloppy, thrown together romantic tale is no more appetizing to me than a sandwich made without care - without love. 

This lovely month of June brings the release of my third Love Inspired romance titled Courting Hope. In it, you'll find a lot of love, the beauty of Northern Michigan, and even a wonderfully made turkey club with avacado!

When Hope Petersen looks up to see Sinclair Marsh standing in her office doorway, it brings back bittersweet memories. She can't forgive him for the terrible accident that changed both their lives. Now that her girlhood crush is the new pastor of the church she runs, Hope is forced to work with him—and her old feelings resurface. Sinclair seems determined to show her and their Michigan hometown that their minister is a changed man. Is Hope ready to move beyond the past and risk her future on the man she never stopped loving?
*ISBN-13:978-0373878208

So tell me, what makes a good romance? And what about those sandwiches?



Check out my website for more information about my books at www.jennamindel.com


My Turkey, Cranberry & Goat Cheese Sandwich

• Split French Bread so it lays open like a sub roll.  (any crusty styled bread or roll will do)
• Slather one side with cranberry mustard, and the other with soft goat cheese then sprinkle with dried cranberries.
• Stack on the turkey - I used plain 'ole roasted turkey. (grilled chicken works well too!)
• Sliced red onion optional. 
• Lay a slice of provolone cheese on each side and then slip under the broiler until the cheese bubbles.
• Enjoy!

ps. This is even better made with dried cherries and cherry mustard instead of cranberries, but the cherry crop had been wiped out last year due to crazy spring heat followed by a hard freeze.  So, cherries are hard to come by.  This year's crop should be good!  We'll see. :)

Sorry I'm late...

Jenna Mindel here, wondering if you've ever had one of those days? 
I totally forgot about today's blog for which I humbly apologize.   
I'm still sniffle-ridden from sending our beautiful puppies onto their wonderful new homes this past weekend - even though we kept one, our Wallie-girl.  And I'm three shades of inadequate blue over my current work in progress that's due next month.  
Will I ever feel like a real writer?

Funny how one down-and-out feeling looks for company.   Does this stuff come in threes?   On my way to my afternoon job, I found my self praying without a clear prayer - more like pitiful utterances.  I mean really, who am I to complain when I've so much to be thankful for?

Even funnier are the things I reach for to make me feel better.  A stiff cup of coffee and a girl scout cookie.  Thank God they were delivered today!  A definite bright spot.   Just like the picture of our puppies below.

What helps pull you out of the blues?


Our beautiful puppies
 

Small miracles still happen..

Jenna Mindel here, giving some serious praise for the successful birth of our puppies and the good health of their Rat Terrier Mama - our little Peanut.  We bred Peanut with a Jack Russell terrier for the pure joy of having puppies with no intent to sell them or become breeders.   This was a one time deal.   I studied, I researched, but when the time came for Peanut to deliver, things didn't go well.  Her contractions went away.   After an emergency trip to the vet's for shots to get things moving again, we returned home with bad expectations.  The vet didn't think the puppies would make it as their heart rates were so low, and if Peanut didn't deliver, she'd be in trouble too.  My husband and I prayed - Steve even called our pastor and asked him to pray.  Peanut delivered 4 healthy pups - 3 female and 1 male.  From left to right is Hazelnut, Filbert (laying down), Walnut and Almond.

God chose to touch our dog.  Why would He do that?  Amazing still, God answered my question in my devotions the morning after the delivery.  The passage told a tale of how God cares about what we care about.  And we love our little Peanut and her pups.  We're so very thankful for this small miracle!

On another happy side-note, last week I received the cover for my June 2013 release - and it's just gorgeous!

Check it out at my website www.jennamindel.com

Thank you for stopping by and let me know what kinds of miracles God's made in your life?

Bless you!