One of my biggest delights as a reader, and now a book reviewer and blogger, is discovering new authors. It’s so fun to meet people who have dreamed up another world and then put the work in to create the story. And I just love the chance to ask them questions, usually just five.

Today, I’m excited to introduce Sarah Jane Jacobs, author of Season of Hope.

About the Author of the Season of Hope

I began writing as a hobby while raising my two children. In 2015, I dusted off my stories and my dreams to see if I could turn my hobby into a career. My first story, Season of Hope, was inspired by summer vacations which always included a trip to Franklin, North Carolina, to visit family and explore The Smoky Mountains. When I’m not writing, I enjoy spending time with family. I love most any activity that involves being outdoors, especially camping, hiking and spontaneous excursions to splash in the ocean. I currently live along the Emerald Coast of Florida with my cat Selah and her delightful offspring, Colby, Jack and Tuesday.

Keep up with Sarah Jane Jacobs

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarajanej

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarajanejacobs

Website: http://www.sarajanejacobs.com

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jacobsjanesara

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/50289360-sara-jane-jacobs

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobsjanesara

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSpH25j4GdaoKDMXkOVNlxA

About Season of Hope by Sarah Jane Jacobs

When Amanda Jarvis prays that a special friend will move into the vacant house near her isolated mountain home, she isn’t upset when God sends a boy instead of a girl. But Amanda’s not the only one receiving unexpected answers to her prayers. After fleeing with his mother from an abusive father, Tyler Armstrong finds much-needed love and acceptance with Amanda’s family over the next ten years.

As high school graduation nears, Tyler is shocked when one carefree afternoon with Amanda churns up an inner turmoil he would have never imagined; he’s crushing on his best friend. And for the first time in his life he’s hiding a secret from Amanda. Convinced the timing is all wrong, Tyler pushes his feelings aside as he and Amanda prepare for the future. He will soon begin training to pursue his dream of becoming a Navy SEAL, while Amanda makes plans to spend the summer in Manhattan with her aunt and then return home to the community college.

When Amanda’s summer job catapults her into a modeling career, she readily accepts the much-needed distraction. Tyler’s impending deployment is turning her world upside down. Along with the fact that she’s falling for her best friend. And, for the first time in her relationship with Tyler, she’s hiding a secret, too.

Phoebe Garrison, Amanda’s controlling aunt, is thrilled when she is given the power to act on behalf of her underage niece. Bored with her Fortune 500 advertising agency, becoming Amanda’s manager is just what she’s been looking for to rekindle her aspirations. But as Tyler becomes aware of Phoebe’s obsession to push Amanda into supermodel status, tensions rise. As the three of them become entangled in a mass of concealed ambition and desire, each will make decisions that will send ripples of turbulence across their futures.

Find your own copy of Season of Hope!

Amazon

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Cordially Barbara Interviews Sarah Jane Jacobs

Cordially Barbara: What drew you to the story premise of the Season of Hope?

Sarah Jane Jacobs: So much of this story didn’t exist until about eighteen months ago. As I added scenes to the original manuscript, Season of Hope was born and the premise just seemed to emerge. I began to see through those additional scenes how moving to Nathan’s Mountain was going to change the lives of Tyler and his mother. But it would also affect the lives of the Jarvis Family, too. The impact that the people in our lives can have on us can be so powerful.

CB: Why is this story so important to you and what do you hope your readers will love about your story?

SJJ: The story is important to me because there were so many years invested in the writing of it. I hope readers will love the special friendship that Tyler and Amanda share. I also, hope they will love the way Amanda’s father steps in to be the father-figure Tyler so desperately needs.

CB: Did you have to do any travel research or writing getaways for Season of Hope?

SJJ: There was traveling involved behind this story but it wasn’t research when it was happening. Family vacations helped fuel the inspiration and I always brought a little something home to put in my story.

CB: Did you see yourself in any of the characters in Season of Hope?

SJJ: I do see glimpses of myself in Catherine Jarvis and her love of nature that she passes on to Amanda.

CB: When I review books, I love to compare the story to food on a scale of cotton candy (sweet) to Brussels sprouts (healthy). What food would you compare Season of Hope to?

SJJ: Ha-ha! That’s great! And very original! I would compare it to my grandmother’s homemade fried apple pies; a treat with just the right amount of sweetness, to be enjoyed from a porch looking out into the Blue Ridge Mountains. 🙂

CB: Sarah Jane Jacobs, I’m so glad that you stopped by, and I’m happy you enjoy my food comparison! It’s one of the many ways I enjoy amusing myself (and hopefully my readers).