Welcome back to Jen’s Jewels, where I love shining a light on the authors behind the stories we can’t put down. This week, I’m thrilled to feature Chelsea Bobulski, whose heartfelt historical romance A DEAL WITH A DEBUTANTE is a must-add to your reading list.
LIGHTNING ROUND
In three words, describe the feeling readers will have when they finish your book.
Bubbly, light, and happy!
What’s your favorite writing season: cozy winter, hopeful spring, beachy summer, or reflective fall?
Reflective Fall for sure!! I love the changing leaves, cloudy skies, and cozy vibes!
What’s one small thing that instantly puts you in a creative mood?
Rain! I absolutely adore rainy days. There’s something about it that makes me want to dream up imaginary worlds.
THE SPRING SPARK
April often feels like a season of renewal. Did anything about this story feel like a fresh start for you as a writer?
Absolutely! This is my debut adult novel after publishing 6 Young Adult novels. I’m very excited to reach a new audience with A DEAL WITH A DEBUTANTE, with a voice that will still feel familiar and approachable for my YA audience.
What was the very first image, line, or idea that sparked this book?
To be honest, I started writing this book over ten years ago, so it’s hard to remember! This was before I became a mommy (the best job in the world). My husband had gone away for work for the weekend and so, with nothing else to do, I sat down and wrote the first 10k words of this book without much thought other than a desire to set a romance during this time period when American heiresses were sent by their mothers to England to find aristocratic husbands with titles. Those first chapters are mostly unchanged in the final version, so the voices for both of my main characters, Edward and Calliope, came on very strongly from the beginning. I ended up writing 40k words at the time but had to set it aside as book deals for my YA novels came in. Looking back, letting this book languish unfinished on my computer for so many years was a Godsend, as I would not have ended up with the perfect publisher for this book—shoutout to Haven!!—if I’d finished it and tried to publish it sooner.
Many authors say their characters “talk back.” Did any character surprise you or take the story somewhere unexpected?
I didn’t know much about Edward’s background when I started writing his character. I knew he was an Earl whose estate was failing, and that he felt the immense responsibility of the families who relied upon his land for their employment and survival. Because of this, he needed to marry for money, an idea he loathed but could not see any way around. However, it wasn’t until I was halfway through the book that Edward started telling me about his childhood; a happy one, with wonderful parents, but also lonely, because he didn’t have any brothers or sisters to play with. He also remembered—through Calliope’s free spirit—that he used to be adventurous and wonders where that sense of adventure went as the weight of so many responsibilities fell upon his shoulders. These realizations help him solidify what kind of future he wants for himself—and what kind of wife as well.
Setting can shape a story in powerful ways. What role does the setting play in your book, and what inspired you to choose it?
A DEAL WITH A DEBUTANTE has two different settings: London and Hampshire, with the first half taking place in the bustling city and the second half taking place in the English countryside. London was where all of the American heiresses looking for titled English husbands went during the spring and summer, since that was when the London Season was in session—when the aristocracy would take up residence in their Mayfair townhomes and attend balls, the opera, and other soirees in order to “see and be seen.” Edward and Calliope’s romance first begins in these social gatherings, but it’s when Edward invites Calliope and her mother to come to the country to see the estate her money might save that things start to become more serious, and Calliope wonders if the life she could have in England is worth giving up everything she would be leaving behind in New York.
THE PERSONAL TOUCH
Writing can be a long journey. Was there a moment while working on this book when you thought, this is why I love being an author?
Definitely writing “The End.” It never gets old! There’s no better feeling than reaching the summit of the mountain you’ve been steadily climbing for months.
If readers could step inside one scene from your book and experience it in real life, which scene would you choose and why?
The Annual Summer Ball at Whitefawn Manor, where Edward and Calliope first meet. The glitz and glamour of an Edwardian ball would have been a sight to behold!
LOOKING AHEAD
Without giving away spoilers, what can readers look forward to from you next?
The second book in the London’s Most Eligible series will be releasing in February 2027 and will feature two side characters from A DEAL WITH A DEBUTANTE. The long-anticipated sequel to my debut YA novel, The Wood, will also be coming out this fall.
Where can readers connect with you and keep up with your latest writing news? (Website, social media, newsletter, etc.)
I am most active on Instagram but I am also on Facebook under the same name and my (in-great-need-of-refurbishment) website.
BONUS: The Author’s Playlist
Share 3–5 songs that capture the mood of your book or that helped inspire you while writing.
I have an instrumental Spotify playlist entitled “Historical Romance” (link) that I listened to while writing A DEAL WITH A DEBUTANTE (as well as Book 2 in the series!). Here’s a sampling of the songs that can be found on it:
“Far Longer than Forever” by Minnz Piano (from The Swan Princess—a favorite childhood movie!)
“The Proposal” by George Fenton (from the Ever After soundtrack)
“Rose Garden” from the Becoming Jane soundtrack
“Orchard House” by Thomas Newman (from the Little Women soundtrack)
“Who is She?” by Patrick Doyle (from the Cinderella soundtrack)
An Enemies-to-Lovers Marriage of Convenience Historical Romance set in Edwardian London, England
American heiress Calliope Hart is thrust into London's high society against her will, all because her mother is determined to marry her off to an aristocrat. Despite being named "the debutante of the season," Calliope wants nothing more than to return home and avoid becoming another pawn in the social game.
Edward Chase, the Earl of Hayward, is on the brink of financial ruin. To save his estate, he must marry, and Calliope Hart is his last hope. When he boldly declares his intentions, she swiftly rejects him, making it clear she has no interest in marrying for convenience. Undeterred, Edward offers a deal: He will show Calliope the best of London if she agrees to visit his estate and consider what they could accomplish together.
What begins as a business arrangement soon sparks something much more complicated—an undeniable chemistry neither can ignore. But as their hearts begin to soften, both must confront their fears: Can Calliope trust Edward with her heart, and can Edward truly win her love when she's convinced he only wants her fortune?
Chelsea Bobulski presents a sweet historical romance with a delightful mix of witty banter and charming romance set in Edwardian England.
Romance Comedy [ Haven, On Sale: April 7, 2025, Trade Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780764245251 / eISBN: 9781493452972 ]
Chelsea Bobulski is the author of two YA contemporary fantasy novels (The Wood and Remember Me, out now from Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan) and of the four-book All I Want for Christmas YA romantic comedy series (out now from Wise Wolf Books), which has been optioned by ESX Entertainment in a 4-picture deal. Chelsea also co-leads Aurora Creative Talent, a team of award-winning, bestselling novelists and screenwriters developing high-quality, thrilling, family-friendly screenplays, book-to-film adaptations, and original series, with author Nova McBee.
Chelsea graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in history and loves to use her knowledge of the past to inspire her historical and contemporary stories alike. Her favorite themes to explore in her writing are those of holding onto hope in the midst of dark times, good triumphing over evil, and true love winning the day.
Jennifer Vido is the author of The Gull Island Series, sweet Lowcountry romances inspired by her love of coastal living and small-town charm. Serendipity by the Sea won Best First Book from the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest, and Baltimore Magazine readers named her Best Local Author in 2024 and 2025.
A Vanderbilt graduate, Jennifer traded in teaching French to follow her dream of becoming an author. She loves discovering and sharing literary gems through her Jen's Jewels column, celebrating the books that make her heart happy.
Jennifer lives in Maryland with her husband and is mom to two grown sons. Her rescue dog, Fripp, is her constant companion, though he's better at napping than editing. When she's not writing, you'll find her at the beach with her toes in the sand, dreaming about her next romance.
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