Jill is here to share a bit about herself and her latest release. She's offered to give away a copy of the book (US - winner's choice of hard copy or ebook; International - ebook) . You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends July 19,2018. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.)
Q & A with Jill...
Q: Welcome, Jill! Can you tell my readers how your latest story came to be written?
A: Since I live in Colorado, I knew I wanted to write something set in Colorado. I'd already written about ranching in Texas, and I wanted to tweak that, so I ended up imagining a guest ranch. From there, I decided I wanted to have a little girl bring her parents together. I brainstormed. What would cause a mom to tell her ex he had a daughter he'd never met? I ended up using the little girl's medical condition as a catalyst, and that's how the story began.
Q: Thanks! Definitely a good way to start a story. Do you have any specific rituals you must have or do when writing?
A: I actually love silence when I write. I know a lot of people listen to music, but that's a distraction for me. I love a quiet space, and I write best in the afternoon. In the morning, I must have my coffee! And bacon. I consider bacon writing fuel. Comfort is also important. If I can write in my pajamas, it's a good day.
Q: I love it! I know a number of writers who love bacon, so you are obviously correct on the writing fuel. I'm one of those people who have to have noise or music in the background. Along the writing lines ... what writers have inspired you?
A: Oh! That's a great question. Any good writing is inspiring, but I'll list a few of my favorites. Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, and Kristan Higgins. I love writing that infuses humor into it :)
Q: Those are some wonderful choices. What advice do you have for new authors?
A: Try not to get overly bogged down with social media. Yes, it's important to build a platform, but allowing yourself to imagine and write and re-write is what improves your craft. Also: read, read, read. It helps to dive into another story and see what the author is doing well ... or maybe not so well. It's a great way to learn what works and what doesn't.
Q: Great advice! What can you tell us about your next project?
A: My next book, The Rancher's Unexpected Baby, is due out in early 2019. I'm excited for this story. It will feature one of the Wilder siblings, and it's about second chances and believing you're worthy of being loved.
Sounds like one to add to my future-TBR pile! Thanks for stopping by, Jill. I'm sure my readers will enjoy getting to know you a bit better.
An excerpt...
Only Cate good question the motives behind a brownie. "Just come on." He snagged her arm, directing her. If he waited for her to decide, they'd be here all day. His hand felt right at home against her skin, but he ignored the increased rhythm in his chest at being near her. She smelled like flowers and good pieces of the past.
Luc matched his longer stride to Cate's shorter one. He probably had close to half a foot on her in height, but she made up for in spunk. Case in point: she shook his hand off her arm like she was dealing with insect and set of a man. His mouth twitched. As long as she kept walking, he wouldn't fight her.
What was it about Cate that both infuriated him and intrigued him at the same time? Just her presence wrecked havoc on him. He wanted to tuck into her and take a good long breath, as if he'd been holding his for the years during their separation and his lungs could finally function again. But he wasn't allowed those kinds of liberties anymore, and he wouldn't take them if he could.
He and Cate had bigger thing to focus on than their wayward relationship. Like their daughter. Which was exactly what he wanted to talk to her about.
"Joe made brownies. I could smell them when I was in my office earlier. They're amazing right out of the oven."
Her sideways glance included more narrowing of those caramel eyes. "Are you trying to bribe me into a conversation with the promise of a brownie, Luc Wilder?"
"Yes, ma'am. That's exactly what I'm doing."
My review...
Luc Wilder is shockeed to see his ex-girlfriend Cate back in town (and specifically at his guest ranch) ... with a three-year old she claims is his daughter. Ruby has a health issue, and Cate felt it only right that Luc has a chance to know Ruby. He can't help but love the little girl, but will Luc and Cate be able to forgive and forget the past and learn to trust each other again?
This is the first installment in the "Colorado Grooms" series. The hero and heroine are well-developed and relatable in their issues (lots of emotional baggage on both sides). The secondary characters are perfectly integrated, and the reader may be left hoping some of them (particularly Mackenzie and Gage) are seen again in future books. Themes of forgiveness, grace, trust, and second chances are key. The religious message is woven throughout this sweet tale ... and the author even throws in a nice surprise at the end :)
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
About Jill...
Jill Lynn writes small-town happily ever afters filled
with humor, grace, and faith. She lives near the beautiful Rocky Mountains with
her husband and two children and can be found online at Jill-Lynn.com or on
Facebook and Instagram @JillLynnAuthor. Her latest release, The Rancher’s
Surprise Daughter, is in stores now.
Where you can find Jill online...
