Wednesday, April 1, 2015

My New-To-Me Hometown...With Jill Kemerer

Today I'm welcoming my author friend, Jill Kemerer, and we're celebrating the release of her debut novel, Small Town Bachelor! I first met Jill online at her blog, and then in person at the 2012 ACFW Conference in Dallas, Texas. Jill is a fellow Midwesterner and she's been a wonderful example of hard work, tenacity, and perseverance. Many of us celebrated with Jill this past year when she announced she had sold her debut story to Love Inspired. She's here to talk about that story and to give away a free copy to one lucky winner!!

Here's the first night of the 2012 ACFW Conference.
Jill is wearing white and I'm in the jean jacket. :)
Here's Jill:

My husband and I have moved many times for his job. We’ve lived in various parts of Michigan, Ohio and even Virginia. Almost three years ago, we moved to our current home in a teeny town outside of Toledo, Ohio. I love it here!

I’m a nature girl. I crave being outside, unless it’s below freezing. Then I’ll gladly snuggle up with a blanket in front of a fire and watch the snowflakes dance beyond the windows. The rest of the year, though, I’m hiking, bird-watching or just plain sitting outdoors.

The Maumee River flows past our cute downtown, and there are bike trails for miles along the river. We often hike, just soaking up nature and listening to the gentle babble of the water and birds singing overhead. Bald eagles perch high in the sycamore trees. Great blue herons and snowy egrets stand in the shallows. The water itself is brown, but I still think the setting is beautiful.

Farmland surrounds our town, and I’ve always felt a deep peace when I drive past rows of corn or soybeans. We see plenty of deer and rabbits. The blue sky stretches forever, and Midwest sunsets snatch your breath away.

Some of my favorite things in my new-to-me hometown?

The local ice cream shop opened up a few weeks ago, and we’re lining up for Slushies and cones. There’s never more than a two-minute wait at the post office. Our library might be small, but it has a terrific selection of books, music and DVDs. I only have to drive a mile to get to my grocery store, and I make the short trip to Toledo to purchase gifts or to shop for clothes.

We’re thrilled to plant roots in our new home. It’s a perfect fit.

Tell me about where you live!

***
About Jill ~


Jill Kemerer writes inspirational romance novels with love, humor and faith. A full time writer and homemaker, she relies on coffee and chocolate to keep up with her kids’ busy schedules.

Besides spoiling her mini-dachshund, Jill adores magazines, M&M’s, fluffy animals and long nature walks. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.  Jill loves connecting with readers, so please visit her website www.jillkemerer.com and find her on Facebook and Twitter.

***
Small-Town Bachelor ~
A Place to Call Home
When Reed Hamilton arrives in Lake Endwell for a family wedding, he expects to do his part as best man then head back to the big city. But when a tornado postpones the wedding, the town is in shambles and Reed is injured. Thankfully maid of honor Claire Sheffield offers him one of her cottages to recuperate in.

Dedicated to her family and her dream job at the zoo, Claire is all about roots. She's this city slicker's opposite, yet as they help the town rebuild, Reed is captivated by her stunning looks and caring ways. He can't ask Claire to leave the life she loves for him, but he also can't imagine ever leaving her behind...

Interested in buying Small-Town Bachelor? Click on http://jillkemerer.com/books/small-town-bachelor/ for links to purchase!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

15 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for hosting me today, Gabrielle!! It's a beautiful sunny day here in Ohio! Yesterday was cold and miserable, so I'll take it!

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    1. Thank you for visiting, Jill!! It was in the 70's here today and we spent much of it outside!! I'm so happy for you. Congrats on the debut!!

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  2. Hi Jill,
    I love the outdoors but the humidity tends to keep me in the air conditioning. Congrats on your debut novel!

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    1. Haha!! I hear you! Humidity is so sticky and uncomfortable. :( Thanks!!

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    2. I know exactly what you mean, Alena--however, we only have to worry about it for a couple months a year here in Minnesota. :)

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  3. I'm so excited for you! And for me because I know I will love it. Can't wait to get my hands on it. The weather is turning really pretty here in Texas. I love when I can walk outside without a jacket! Blessed by you!

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    1. Thank you so much, Shelli!! I'm smiling at your description of Texas. It's been chilly here in northern Ohio. Yesterday we had a high of 37. I am so ready for warmer weather AND for spring flowers!

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    2. Thank you for stopping by to celebrate with Jill, Shelli!! Love being outside without a jacket, too. :)

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  4. Congrats on your book! We live in a college town in Oklahoma. It's fun because it means that there is a lot to do here.

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    1. I love college towns, Julie! We're driving up to Ann Arbor, Michigan on Saturday for the University of Michigan's spring football game. I can't wait!!

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    2. My husband and I lived in a college town for a couple years--and you're right, Julie! There's always lots to do. :)

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  5. Thanks for the giveaway! We live in Lexington, KY - home of rolling hills, fuzzy newborn horses with spindly legs, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets ... and oh yeah, a certain college basketball team!

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    1. Fuzzy newborn horses!! I want to come visit!! Yes, the certain college basketball team is my hubby's fave to win, so let's cross our fingers!

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    2. Sounds beautiful, Carrie! My husband also has the same college team winning his bracket. :) Will be watching and cheering them on all the way!!! :)

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  6. Thanks so much for this fun day, Gabrielle!! I enjoyed it!

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Your comments are my favorite part of blogging!