Welcome back to another installment of Jen's Jewels, where we delve into the literary worlds of today's most captivating authors. This week, we're thrilled to have USA Today bestselling author Jenny Hale here with us to discuss her latest heartwarming novel, THE GOLDEN HOUR. Set against the backdrop of the enchanting Rosemary Beach, Jenny intricately weaves together themes of sacrifice, love, and personal growth in a story that promises to whisk readers away to sun-kissed shores while tugging at their heartstrings. Join us as we explore the inspiration behind Jenny's poignant narrative, her approach to crafting compelling romances amidst broader family dramas, and her insights into the magic of storytelling that has captivated readers worldwide.
Jennifer Vido: THE GOLDEN HOUR explores the emotional conflict of sacrificing one's dreams for family responsibilities. What inspired you to explore this topic?
Jenny Hale: I think we all can get bogged down sometimes with reality versus our dreams. I wanted to show how we can weave both together if we just take tiny steps towards our goals.
Jen: Autism and neurodiversity are central to the story. How did you conduct research to portray Nick's character authentically?
Jenny: I was a public-school teacher for 18 years, and I have worked with tons of kids on the spectrum. I also consulted a couple of people who were on the spectrum or who had family on the spectrum to get feedback.
Jen: The story is set in the charming beach town of Rosemary Beach. What made you choose this particular location, and how does the setting contribute to the book's overall tone?
Jenny: I adore Rosemary Beach. We vacation near that village, and we always stroll through it when we’re in the area. I wanted a town that was beachy but juxtaposed to the rural life that Josie had come from.
Jen: Josie and Julian's love story is to be a central aspect of the plot. Can you discuss the challenges of crafting a compelling romance within a broader family drama?
Jenny: The biggest challenge is making sure to fit the romance in with everything else going on. But for me, it’s also a bit easier because I feel like life happens all around us while we fall in love, so writing it that way came easily for me.
Jen: As a USA Today bestselling author, how do you approach the writing process? Do you have any specific routines or strategies that help you stay motivated and productive?
Jenny: I work with my editor to get my synopsis incredibly tight, which allows me to write the book with very little developmental changes. This allows me work as efficiently as possible in the timeframe I have, while heading up Harpeth Road Press.
Jen: Your books are often described as "heartwarming beach reads." What elements do you consider essential for creating a feel-good, uplifting story that resonates with readers?
Jenny: When people buy beach reads, I believe they’re looking for a story that will whisk them away to a fantastic location while also containing enough substance to keep them turning pages. Those two things are my focus for summer novels: setting and an intricate storyline.
Jen: Many of your fans have enjoyed the TV movies based on your books. How involved are you in the adaptation process, and what has that experience been like for you as an author?
Jenny: Believe it or not, the author has little to no input. Once those TV rights are purchased, the story becomes the baby of the TV writing and production team.
Jen: Your books frequently explore family, love, and personal growth themes. What insights or messages do you hope readers will take away from this particular story?
Jenny: I hope they’ll take away the idea that every step of our lives is meant to teach us something or get us closer to our goal, as long as we’re open to learn from each step and use it for our higher good.
Jen: Can you share any sneak peeks or teasers about your upcoming projects or what readers can look forward to next from you?
Jenny: My next Christmas book involves a little magical something that makes the reader ponder whether people on the other side can help us or not.
Jen: Thank you for stopping by to chat with our readers. THE GOLDEN HOUR is this summer’s perfect beach read.
Jenny: Thank you so much for having me!
From the USA Today bestselling author of The Magic of Sea Glass, with over one million copies of her books sold, comes a heartwarming beach read, perfect for fans of Sheila Roberts, Jill Shalvis, and Debbie Macomber.
After the loss of her single father, Josie Wills gives up her dreams and returns home to take care of her autistic teenage brother Nick. But she doesn’t just leave her dreams behind; she has to leave her first real love Julian Russell.
Having been the mother figure for Nick his entire life, stepping into the role of parent comes easily for Josie. She adores Nick, and taking care of him makes her feel closer to her mother who never had the chance to see them grow up. For the last three years, Josie has gladly carried the torch and picked up where her mother left off. Although supporting Nick in their small mountain town on a waitress’s salary isn’t as easy.
Willing to put all her faith in her brother’s incredible skills, Josie sells everything they have, to enroll him in a mathematics competition. The two make the journey from their Tennessee town to the upscale world of Rosemary Beach. The stunning, serene coastal town along the Gulf Coast is full of cafés, bicycles, and cobbled streets. What she doesn’t expect is to find Julian.
But Julian isn’t the only surprise that summer. Josie will soon find out exactly how far love can stretch when she uncovers a mystery that will change her life and the lives of those around her forever.
An uplifting summer escape that will strengthen your family bonds and have you believing in the incredible power of love. If you enjoyed the TV movies based on Jenny’s books and are looking for more feel-good, small-town romance, look no further!
Romance Contemporary [Harpeth Road Press, On Sale: April 30, 2024, e-Book, ISBN: 9798988774433 / eISBN: 9798988774433]
When I graduated college, one of my friends said, “Look out for this one; she’s going to be an author one day.” Despite being an avid reader and a natural storyteller, it wasn’t until that very moment that the idea of writing novels occurred to me. Sometimes our friends can see the things that we can’t. While I didn’t start straight away, that comment sowed a seed and several years, two children, and hundreds of thousands of words later, I completed a novel that I felt was worthy of publication. The result is Coming Home for Christmas, a heart-warming story about friends, family, and the magic of love at Christmas. The rest is history. When I’m not writing, I’m a mother of two boys and a wife to a very supportive husband.
Jennifer Vido writes sweet romances set in the Lowcountry filled with southern charm and hospitality. In between chapters, she interviews authors for her bi-weekly Jen’s Jewels column on FreshFiction.com. Most mornings, she teaches an arthritis-friendly water exercise class for seniors before heading to the office to serve as the executive director of a legal non-profit. A New Jersey native, she currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two rescue dogs and is the proud parent of two sons who miss her home-cooked meals. To learn more, please visit her website.
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