1--What is the title of your latest release?
THE LADY OF GALWAY MANOR
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
When a descendant of the creator of the famed Irish Claddagh ring is tasked with apprenticing the daughter of the new British landlord, worlds collide. He doesn’t believe in love, she’s weary of the hate. They both long to escape, but can they do so with their hearts—and lives—intact?
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
I knew I wanted a book to surround the legend of the Claddagh ring, which made the decision for me! The ring was created by a resident of the area of Galway City called The Claddagh, so I knew it had to take place in that area. I also lived in County Galway for 4 years, so it has gotten under my skin, and I just had to tell the world about it.
4--Would you hang out with your heroine in real life?
Oh, I totally would! She loves dresses and tea and a good dessert, but also isn’t afraid of a good pair of trousers or to speak her mind. I’d say we’d pair well together because I’m a straight-laced rule follower, and she’s more of a buck-the-system boat rocker. But she’s a hoot to be around and I’d love to actually get to hang out with her more than just in my mind.
5--What are three words that describe your hero?
Brooding, Handsome, Determined
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I learned once again that every human is made in the image of God, and as such deserves respect. As I endeavored to give the struggle between Ireland and Britain the proper, respectful attention it deserves, I was forced to dig into my own preconceived notions about people, and found I held more than I cared to. So, as my characters learn their lessons about stereotypes and pre-conceived ideas, I learned right along with them.
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I do a bit of both. I’ve always edited as I write my whole life. I just can’t help it. I’m a perfectionist by nature in certain areas of my life, and writing is one of them. So I can’t just let something sit if it’s not seeming just right. Then, once I’ve finished the whole thing, I leave it for a few weeks and then come back and read it from start to finish. I always find things to change. Then, of course, my editor gets ahold of it and we go through one or two rounds then, too.
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Oh goodness, that’s tough because I LOVE to eat! If we’re talking Irish food, I’d have to go with a perfectly brewed cuppa tea and a slab of Irish Apple Tart with fresh cream. That or the mince pies our neighbor used to make at Christmas. They were the only ones I ever actually liked!
9--Describe your writing space/office!
My perfect writing space would be a cozy room with a giant picture window overlooking a small pond or lake, surrounded by deciduous trees so I could see the vibrant colors in the fall. There’d be a desk and good chair, and a chaise lounge so I’d have options of where to sit. Then, of course, would be a wet bar with a sink, kettle, coffee pot, and all the fixins!
10--Who is an author you admire?
Oh goodness, how many can I list? There are so very many I admire, respect, and look up to. But I’d have to say right now top of my list would have to be Jaime Jo Wright. She’s been writing so prolifically for so many years, and each book is better than the last. Couple that with her compassionate spirit, kind heart, razor-sharp wit, and willingness to help those not so far along on their writing journey as she is, and you have an amazing woman and friend.
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
Yes, two come to mind. As cliché as it might sound, the first would have to be the Bible. It has completely transformed the way I think, talk, and act.
The second would have to be the Scottish trilogy by Liz Curtis Higgs. I’d always enjoyed writing, but her books are what made me say, “I want to do that!”
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)
When I was offered the contract for my debut novel, A DANCE IN DONEGAL, I knew they were offering a 2-book contract. I was absolutely floored. My agent had called me the day the publishing board met and talked to me about how difficult it is to break into publishing, etc., so I figured she was preparing me for a rejection.
But then she said, “Which is why it’s even more amazing that they are offering you a contract!”
I was over the moon! Then, it continued when I found out this is the book I’d be writing for book 2. I had originally pitched a different idea that I had started writing and it just wasn’t sitting well with me. Just wasn’t clicking. So, when they reached out asking if I had an idea going a certain direction, I was ecstatic and share my idea for THE LADY OF GALWAY MANOR and they loved it!
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
Historical Romance has always been my favorite, but I’ve started branching out to some contemporary and romantic suspense, and I’m really digging it!
14--What’s your favorite movie?
My all-time favorite is the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but I have a ton of cult classics I adore as well (Princess Bride, You’ve Got Mail, and While You Were Sleeping, anyone??)
15--What is your favorite season?
Without a doubt, autumn is my favorite. Sadly, I now live in an area that doesn’t really experience it. Our winter here in Phoenix is what most people experience in fall.
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
It really depends. My husband’s birthday is just thirteen days after mine, so we usually choose a date in between and go out to dinner and celebrate. My kids and husband always do an amazing job of making me feel loved and celebrated. I adore coffee, chocolate cake, and Reese’s Cups, so those usually make an appearance at some point.
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
I was in early 2021 and I watched a documentary on Disney+ called On Pointe. It was the story of a season in the New York City Ballet and it was just fascinating and enchanting!
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
I’d say it’s a tie between Mexican and Italian. Growing up in Arizona, I have a deep, nostalgic appreciation for good Mexican food. But you can’t beat great Italian, either!
19--What do you do when you have free time?
I really love hanging out with my kids, especially since our eldest is finishing up her junior year of high school! So I enjoy watching movies with the family, going shopping together, grabbing coffee (of course!). I also love the rare occasions when I can meet a friend for coffee or dessert and just hang out and talk. In my younger days, I also really loved dancing!
20--What can readers expect from you next?
Next up, I’m working on another stand-alone historical romance that will take us back to Donegal! This one is set a little later, in 1935, and will be a brand-new story, characters, and romance with all the same Irish charm, history, and local lore readers have come to expect from me. Keep an eye out for this as yet untitled release in February 2023!
In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy's father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without all the trappings of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family--descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring.
Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than run his family's jewelry shop. Having had his heart broken, he no longer believes in love and is weary of peddling the ÒliesÓ the Claddagh Ring promises.
Meanwhile, as the war for Irish independence gains strength, many locals resent the De Lacys and decide to take things into their own hands to display their displeasure. As events take a dangerous turn for Annabeth and her family, she and Stephen begin to see that perhaps the "other side" isn't quite as barbaric and uncultured as they'd been led to believe--and that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty are only made stronger when put through the refiner's fire.
Travel to the Emerald Isle for another poignant and romantic story from the enchanted pen of Jennifer Deibel.
Romance Historical | Inspirational Historical [Revell, On Sale: February 1, 2022, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800738426 / eISBN: 9781493434213]
Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher and freelance writer. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic Magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona.
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