Interview & Giveaway: Regina Jennings ~ Author of Love in the Balance!!

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Regina!! Will you tell us a little about yourself?

You bet. I married my high school sweetheart before graduating from Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. My professional life included employment at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards. I currently write historical romance for Bethany House and homeschool my four children.

What is your newest book, Love in the Balance, about? 

Bailey Garner is an earnest young cowhand with a reputation for godliness, but he knows he’s got everyone fooled. In a search for accountability, Bailey pops up before the church and confesses a temptation that continues to beset him. Of course it doesn’t take much imagination for the congregation to surmise that the block he’s stumbling over closely resembles beautiful, sassy Molly Lovelace.

For a year, Molly’s parents have been after her to drop Bailey and marry for money. Now he’s asking for some time and space to make himself worthy of her, robbing Molly of her best friend and support. When her family’s finances force a decision, how will she choose between her duty and her heart? 

Love in the Balance is a sequel-like to Sixty Acres and a Bride. Do you plan on writing more novels with characters from these books?

Oh, yeah. The third book in the Ladies of Caldwell County series, Caught in the Middle, is the mysterious Anne Tillerton’s story. Although the story stands alone, readers will get to see more of Bailey and Molly as they watch her brother Nick try to manage Anne’s reentry into society.

What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you? 

I’m a huge fan of European history, particularly British History. How did I end up writing cowboy books? Well, knights and cowboys have a lot in common when you think about it. They ride, they fight, they love their land and they know how to treat a lady. The accent is a bit different, but when you’re reading you can supply your own voice.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

I’ve always wanted to be a writer. In the sixth grade a friend and I wrote a sequel to Gone with the Wind. It was epic, all 30 pages of it, but it wasn’t until 2010 that I made a second effort to write something marketable.

How many books have you written/published and do you have a favorite? 

Love in the Balance is my second book. Since then I’ve written a novella and two more full-length novels that are currently being revised and edited. The novella comes out this December and the novels will be out over the next few years. And my favorite book changes constantly. Usually it’s whichever one is giving me less grief at the time.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk? 

Because of the kids, I rarely get uninterrupted time to write. I drag my laptop with me everywhere and maybe only get a paragraph here or there. Eventually I have to go somewhere quiet and really polish it, but that first draft is written on the run.

Where do you like to write? 

Anywhere and everywhere. I have a desk. I have a bed. Sometimes if I’m waiting for the kids at choir practice I’ll hide in an empty Sunday School classroom or sit in the car.

What is the best and/or worst part about being a writer? 

The best part is getting to share stories. I love stories. I love telling stories, but I don’t necessary want to be the center of attention. Books let me tell stories without everyone looking at me. J

The worst part is just the time it takes. I enjoy researching, writing, even revising, but I have to fight Mommy-guilt. There’s always something else you can do for your children and there’s always more polishing you can do on a manuscript, but you can’t do both at the same time.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? 

I read a lot, of course. I also like to travel, play the piano and play games with the kids. And then in the fall there’s college football.

What is your favorite genre to read and why?

No surprises here. My favorite genre is historical romance, although well-written historical non-fiction is even more captivating.

Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet? 

This fall we’re headed to the UK. I’ve been to London once, but didn’t get to spend much time there. This time we’re going to hit London, Bath, Stratford, York and Edinburgh. Excited!

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

It changes all the time, but here’s one that’s blessing me recently:

“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows, For so He gives His beloved sleep.” – Psalm 127:2

This reminds me to stop striving and rest in God. Without His help my efforts are in vain, anyway.

Do you have a favorite song? 

This changes, too. As of July 2013 my favorite song would be “I Will Wait” by Mumford and Sons.

A few this-or-that questions:

Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? Thunderstorms, although in Oklahoma they are deadly.

Call or Text? I like email because I’m less likely to lose my laptop than my phone.

Early-bird or Night-owl? Strong early-bird. It’s in my DNA. I can’t sleep late even when exhausted.

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint? 

The next project to be released is a Texas-sized novella collection in December 2013. A Match Made in Texas includes novellas by Karen Witemeyer, Carol Cox, Mary Connealy and me. Writing with these authors has been all kinds of fun. I can’t wait for this collection to be released.

Then, next spring Caught in the Middle will be released. It begins with Anne Tillerton saving Nick Lovelace’s life during a train robbery. Although more suited to her job as a buffalo hunter, Anne must stay in town when she’s left with an unexpected bundle…of joy. She turns to Nick for help finding the child’s parents, but he’s even less equipped to manage a baby than she is. His association with the unconventional Anne threatens his political aspirations, but can he turn his back on the woman who saved his life?

Thank you so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?

Thank you for inviting me! I’m so appreciative of my readers. You wouldn’t believe how encouraging your notes, emails and comments are. I want to thank you all for making this dream come true and I pray that God keeps letting me bring you stories.

I love hearing from y’all online. You can find me here -

Website: www.reginajennings.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReginaLJennings

Twitter: twitter.com/#!/ReginaJennings

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/reginaljennings/

Book Giveaway!

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