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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

CFBA Blog Tour - Jennifer AlLee and The Pastor's Wife

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Pastor's Wife
Abingdon Press - (February, 2010)
by Jennifer AlLee


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JENNIFER ALLEE was born in Hollywood, California and for the first 10 years of her life lived over a mortuary one block from Hollywood and Vine. An avid reader and writer, she completed her first novel in high school. That manuscript is now safely tucked away, never again to see the light of day. Her first inspirational romance, The Love of His Brother, was released in November 2007 by Five Star Publisher.

Besides being a writer, she is a wife and mom. She’s an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and serves as the Nevada Area Coordinator. Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, her husband and teenage son have learned how to enjoy the fabulous buffets there without severely impacting their waistlines. God is good!

THE PASTOR'S WIFE
by Jennifer AlLee
Published by Abingdon Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

Maura Sullivan never intended to set foot in Granger, Ohio, again. But when circumstances force her to return, she must face all the disappointments she tried so hard to leave behind: a husband who ignored her, a congregation she couldn't please, and a God who took away everything she ever loved.

Nick Shepherd thought he had put the past behind him, until the day his estranged wife walked back into town. Intending only to help Maura through her crisis of faith, Nick finds his feelings for her never died. Now, he must admit the mistakes he made, how he hurt his wife, and find a way to give and receive forgiveness.

As God works in both of their lives, Nick and Maura start to believe they can repair their broken relationship and reunite as man and wife. But Maura has one more secret to tell Nick before they can move forward. It's what ultimately drove her to leave him three years earlier, and the one thing that can destroy the fragile trust they've built.

If you would like to read the prologue and first chapter of The Pastor's Wife, go HERE. You can also sign up as a Follower when you get to that page, and get announcements of the first chapters for all the great books we tour!

Readers, buy your copy of The Pastor's Wife today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your debut novel. Congratulations! What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Thank you! This is my second novel, but it's my first novel in the CBA, which is very exciting. My inspiration for the story was rooted in real life. I served as a church secretary for many years which definitely gave me a unique perspective on the lives of a pastoral family. When I was working on the original concept for this novel, I thought about the pastors’ wives I’ve known over the years. All of them have handled themselves with amazing grace under pressure. But what if another woman couldn’t? What if a young woman thinks she knows what she’s getting into, but the reality of losing who she is and becoming a “pastor’s wife” is more than she can handle? What if some other tragedy pushes her over the edge? Would she run? And what would happen if she had to return to the scene of her heartbreak years later? All those questions eventually became The Pastor’s Wife.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

My church secretarial experiences came in handy for obvious reasons. Maura and I share a love of theatre, but we're pretty different when it comes to communication. If I had been in her shoes, I would have spoken up before it got so bad.

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Rocky Road, because their relationship is full of bumps, but it ends up being smooth and satisfying with surprising moments of sweet marshmallow goodness.

4. Are there any themes in The Pastor's Wife that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

In this particular story, the theme was pretty clear cut from the beginning. It's about the importance of forgiveness, not only for the one receiving it, but for the one giving it.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The most difficult scene was in the last third of the book. I don't want to give away the details, but it has to do with the final secret between Nick and Maura being revealed. I had to put them both in a very vulnerable spot.

My favorite part was probably the whole section around Christmas time. It's close to the middle of the book, and I really enjoyed how the couple's relationship was evolving.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

Gee, I wish I knew when my next book was coming out! I don't have a contract for anything right now, but I have a completed manuscript that's looking for a home. I'm also working on several new projects, including a historical romance I'm co-writing with my friend Lisa Richardson. I know God's got a plan, and I can't wait to find out what it is!

* * * * *

Thank you, Jennifer, for being in the spotlight.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win your choice of a FREE autographed copy of The Pastor's Wife.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when the winners are announced each time.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

13 comments:

Jennifer AlLee said...

Thanks so much for being part of the blog tour, Tiff! I look forward to meeting your readers in the days to come.

Be blessed!
Jen

Casey said...

I would love to read this book, please enter me! Thanks. :)

caseymh18(at)gmail(dot)com

Giveaway Lady said...

Please enter me in your giveaway:) Thanks so much!!

esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

Jackie S. said...

I have been wanting to read this book!!!! Please enter me. Thanks!!!
jackie.smith(at)dishmail(dot)net

Jennifer AlLee said...

Hi Casey, Charity & Jackie! Great to see you ladies here. Thanks for your enthusiasm and good luck with the drawing :+}

Merry said...

I'd love a chance to win Jennifer's book, it sounds terrific. Thanks!

worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

Edna said...

please enter me I would love to recieve this book


mamat2739(at)charter(dot)net

Michelle said...

Thank you for entering me, Tiff!

Michelle
scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

Emma said...

The Pastor's Wife sounds wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.Thank you.

Carole said...

I have worked closely with pastors through the years and enjoy books with honest themes about the pastor and his family. I look forward to reading Jennifer's book and appreciate the chance to win a copy.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Nancye said...

I would LOVE to win this book! Thanks for the chance.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

We have a winner from this drawing and that is:

CAROLE!

Congratulations! I have sent your mailing address to Jennifer so she can send out your book.

As always, thanks to everyone for your continued support.

karla said...

congratz!!