Krista Lynne Jensen – LDS Women's Book Review

Kisses in the Rain by Krista Lynne Jensen — Blog Tour/Giveaway

Posted by Mindy Book Reviews

Jun 172015

Kisses in the Rain

Author: Krista Lynne Jensen

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: June 2015

ISBN13: 978-1-68047-239-4

Paperback: 284 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Georgie Tate is a survivor. She’s survived an abusive relationship. She’s survived the car accident that took the life of her controlling fiance. Now she just needs to survive the memories that haunt her. Escaping to her aunts’ cozy home on a tiny island outside of Seattle, Georgie finds just the change of pace she needs to pick up the pieces of her life. Taking a job at a local seafood restaurant is the first step in reclaiming her sense of self, but she is completely unprepared for the battle that awaits her there.

Jace Lowe has loved and lost, and he’s determined that it will never happen again. Hardened by heartbreak, he stays focused on his work as sous chef at one of the island’s top seafood restaurants. When beautiful Georgie takes her place on the restaurant staff, Jace is resolved to keep her at arm’s length, and his downright rudeness her first week goes a long way in achieving that goal. Georgie, on the other hand, doesn’t want anything to do with Jace anyway and prickles against his abrasive behavior. As the combative pair comes together on a joint project for the restaurant, they find their distaste for one another dwindling. the connection is undeniable–and it terrifies them both. Can two people jaded by the past be softened by the promise of once-in-a-lifetime love, or is this just another recipe for disaster?

My Review

WOW! This book is beautifully written. Each page is a treasure. Many of the characters have issues they are dealing with, and the way Krista has written each character is perfect. Georgie is recovering from an accident that took her memory, and claimed the life of her fiance. Jace is also recovering from heartbreak of his own. I loved the gradual improvement of them both and how they realize what they need. The aunts were a favorite and Uncle Dar as well. In Kisses in the Rain, there is heartache and pain, but also triumph and happiness. I have read some of the other reviews of this book, and each say close to the same thing, the story is so real. It’s funny, because that is the exact word I would use. I loved the restaurant scenes. It was where Jace and Georgie were in their elements, but I also loved it when they were getting to know each other away from work. I also loved the setting. This book takes place in a beautiful area, which is a character all its own.

5 out of 5 stars. I have read most of Krista’s books, and I really think this is my favorite so far. Very well done.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

Tour Schedule

*June 15th: http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

*June 16th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

*June 17th: http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://mybookaday.blogspot.com, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/

*June 18th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/, http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

*June 19th: http://littlelightdesigncollective.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

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Falling For You by Krista Lynne Jensen – Countdown to Summer 2014

Posted by Shanda Countdown to Summer

Jun 152014

6 days until summer!

Nearly every one of Krista Lynne Jensen’s elementary school teachers noted on her report card that she was a “day-dreamer”. It was not a compliment. So, when Krista grew up, she put those daydreams down on paper for others to enjoy. When she’s not writing she enjoys reading, hiking, her family, and sunshine. But not laundry. She never day-dreams about laundry.

Krista writes LDS romance, and fantasy. She is the author of OF GRACE AND CHOCOLATE (2012 Whitney Award Finalist) and THE ORCHARD (2013 Whiney Award Finalist), Falling for You (2014), and has novellas in Love Unexpected: With All My Heart and A Timeless Romance Anthology: Love Letters (both 2014). She is a member of LDStorymakers. Visit her blog at kristalynnejensen.blogspot.com.

Visit Krista: BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

* * *

LDSWBR: What book or movie reminds you of summer?

KRISTA: Probably Pretty in Pink. I’m not even sure it came out in the summer, but we had a dollar theater that played movies after they left the bigger cinemas. That was the summer I turned 16, and I really wanted to be Molly Ringwald. Blane AND Ducky? A Volkswagon Karmann Ghia? Yes, please. She sewed. I sewed. Andie Walsh was my hero that year.

LDSWBR: Do you hike during the summer? If so, where is your favorite place to hike?

KRISTA: I do like to hike in the summer. I’m not sure I have a favorite place. We’ve been camping all over the west and we usually include a hike. We lived near Yellowstone for seven years and I’ve hiked some amazing trails in the park. I love the Blue Mountains in eastern Washington where we camped when I was a teen. The Beartooths in Montana take your breath away. The Mount Rainier area is gorgeous. I guess one of my favorite places is Coastal Oregon. Definitely. I’ve been really lucky. Now that we’ve moved again I’m excited to find even more places. My kids are faster than me now, though. Ol’ lady has to keep up.

LDSWBR: What is the best book you’ve read so far this year?

KRISTA: Wow, that’s a tough one. Can I just list a few? Brandon Sanderson’s Steelheart was awesome. I finally read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and it was wonderful. Sarah Eden’s Drops of Gold was so tender. Loved it. Marion Jensen’s Almost Super is middle grade gold. I also read Adoption Parenting, and The Connected Child in preparation for bringing our adopted daughter home from China this Fall. Heavy stuff, but I’m so eager to get her here and get going. So, lots of genres! Lots of books! Not enough time AT ALL.

LDSWBR: Thanks, Krista!

* * *

DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | AMAZON | GOODREADS

Jetsetter Elizabeth Embry is the toast of the town. A rising star in the fashion industry, she has traveled the world and lived a life of glamour and fortune. But beneath her carefree façade, Elizabeth is running from a past that won’t let her rest. When a former colleague reaches out with a job offer in the sleepy town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Elizabeth feels a spark of hope—perhaps this drastic change of scene will finally allow her to slow down. Envisioning an idyllic getaway at the mountainous bed & breakfast that has been arranged for her, Elizabeth is caught off guard by her immediate attraction to the aloof innkeeper. Ryan Brennan is certainly handsome, but what secrets hide behind that withdrawn exterior? Surrounded by people bent on playing matchmaker, the stage is set for a picture-perfect romance. But as past heartache threatens to overwhelm them both, can Elizabeth and Ryan let go of their pain and grab hold of a promising future together?

What movie or book character do you relate to or want to be, even if just for a little while?

* * *

**To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014, leave a thoughtful comment below.**

This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. Because this is a raffle-style drawing, commenting on each Countdown to Summer 2014 post will give you more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

Prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

Following LDSWBR is not required but you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. You can follow us through email, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest (links in our sidebar.)

If one of our reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, please consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2014. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Summer 2014, you agree to the contest rules below:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins June 5, 2014 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight June 30, 2014 Mountain Time; to enter, complete the required entry on each post and any additional entries of your choice if listed; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment as per each post’s required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected July 3, 2014 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until July 10, 2014 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments and questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Book Prizes (as of 6/15/14 – more to be added to this list!)

Unraveled by Julie Daines (signed paperback)
Any book by A.L. Sowards (choice of paperback or Kindle version)
An autographed copy of any one Sarah M. Eden book of the winner’s choice
Chances Are by Traci Hunter Abramson (signed/personalized paperback)
Choice of The Inventor’s Secret (hardback or paperback) or The Avatar Battle (hardback or audio CD) by Chad Morris (signed copy)
Missing Lily by Annette K. Larsen (ebook in .mobi or epub)
Glimmering Light by Margot Hovley (personalized paperback or Kindle)
Before the Clock Strikes Thirty by Aubrey Mace (personalized paperback)
Tulips and Treason by Tristi Pinkston (personalized paperback)
Luminescence by Braden Bell
Falling For You by Krista Lynne Jensen (signed paperback)

The Orchard by Krista Lynne Jensen

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Feb 242014

TheOrchard The Orchard

Author: Krista Lynne Jensen

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: April 2013

Paperback/Kindle/ebook: 245 pages

Genre: LDS Contemporary Romance

ISBN# 978-1608611454

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: purchased my own copy with my own money at LDStorymakers 2013

Summary (Goodreads)

On the idyllic shores of Flathead Lake, Montana, Alisen Embry finds purpose and comfort tending her late mother’s cherry orchard adjacent to the family’s beloved lake house. Though pained by the loss of her mother and her father’s estrangement, it is Derick Whitney—the man she fell in love with four years earlier—who truly influences Alisen’s view of her future . . .

Derick and Alisen wanted nothing more than to spend eternity together; however, intolerance and secrets forced Alisen to make a shattering choice between her family and the man she loved.

But destiny always has a way of setting things right . . .

Now the Embry family has found themselves hopelessly in debt, and they realize renting the lake house is the only hope of saving the cherished orchard and family home. When Alisen discovers the new tenants have a connection to her past, her life takes an unexpected turn. Will fate find a way to reconnect what was broken so many years before?

Review

I might as well start out by saying that Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen novel. It’s not perfect (especially not the movies — that’s for another post), but…that letter. I mean, wow. It sets my heart aflutter, though not as much as The Orchard did. My, oh my.

Honestly, I had forgotten that The Orchard was based on the basic story of Persuasion but recognized it soon after I started reading. That made me doubly excited. Not only was I finally getting to read the long-awaited book that had been staring at me from my bookshelf, but it was based on PERSUASION!

The Orchard starts off with the budding romance of Alisen and Derrick, something we don’t get to witness with Anne and Captain Wentworth. There are some lovely romantic moments between them and everything is moving along exceptionally well. That is until certain events, as well as her widowed father and a family friend, complicate matters and Alisen is forced into a heartbreaking decision.

When her family’s financial situation becomes desperate a few years later, Alisen and Derrick come face to face once more. The tension and chemistry is running high between Derrick and Alisen, easing only a little as circumstances continue to throw them together. They discover they have both changed–grown–since that summer years earlier. The question is whether these changes will bring them close once again or drive them further apart.

Even if Persuasion isn’t your cup of herbal tea, you’ll want to read The Orchard. Great romance, thoughtful writing and a touch of humor have earned The Orchard a place on my Favorite Romances bookshelf. Next up — Falling for You, which is signed and waiting as motivation for me to finish another category of Whitney reading.

Visit Krista:

WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

Find The Orchard:

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Love Letter Collection by Karey White, Krista Lynne Jensen, Diane Darcy,Sarah M. Eden, Annette Lyon, and Heather B. Moore-Review

Posted by Sheila Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews

Feb 092014

Product Details

Title: Love Letter Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology)
Authors: Karey White, Krista Lynne Jensen, Diane Darcy, Sarah M. Eden, Annette Lyon, and Heather B. Moore
File Size: 2022 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Mirror Press (January 22, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00I20ABJU
FTC FYI: Received a review ecopy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description:

Just in time for Valentine’s Day…

LOVE LETTER COLLECTION

Three Contemporary Romance Novellas
& Three Historical Romance Novellas
in one anthology

In Maggie’s Song, a charming story by Karey White, Maggie Jensen is part of a trio of best friends with Lucas and Dan. Together, they own and run Wild Country Hiking Tours. When Lucas returns to the company after getting his college degree, Maggie realizes that the crush she had on him as a teenager has now blossomed into so much more. But Lucas still treats her as one of the guys, and Maggie worries that if she tells him her real feelings, their relationship will be damaged forever.

In Just Fly, Krista Lynne Jensen’s captivating novella, Wren is faced with the devastating news of her grandfather’s death. But when her mom finds a mysterious letter from a woman named Dot in Seattle, Wren decides to visit the woman herself to deliver the news in person. Wren learns of the bucket list Dot and Gramps had put together with the help of Dot’s grandson, Seth, and Dot challenges Wren to take her grandfather’s place in completing the list. Before the week of adventure is over, Seth has impressed Wren in more ways than one. But is that enough to overcome Wren’s fear of losing those she loves?

How to Rewrite a Love Letter, an enthralling novella by Diane Darcy, high school teacher Julie Ashburn believes she’ll never live the “event” down in which she wrote her true feelings in a love letter to Principal Dane Parker, and he laughed out loud, mocking her. Now that her honors English students want to write love letters for the school fundraiser, Dane turns down the idea flat. Julie tries to convince him that it was her students’ idea and not any sort of payback. But when a student writes a fake love letter from the principal to Julie, everything gets even more mixed up, and both Julie and Dane are caught up in a series of misunderstandings that might be impossible to sort out.

In Sarah M. Eden’s delightful story, A Thousand Words, Shannon Ryan has been waiting half a year to be reunited with her fiance, Patrick, with only the letters between them keeping their relationship alive. He finally sends for her after securing a good job with the Sidney newspaper, and she can’t wait to be reunited with him, swept up in his arms and thoroughly kissed. And of course, married as soon as possible. But when she arrives at the train station, there is no Patrick waiting for her. Shannon must discover if the man she loves still has feelings for her.

Between the Lines is a sweet romance by Annette Lyon. Jane Martin is intelligent but extremely shy, especially around men. When the Aid and Cultural Society proposes a letter-writing program, Jane signs up, hoping she can find true friendship. The program doesn’t run as smoothly as expected, and unknown to Jane, one of the men in her city becomes her writing friend. Thomas Allred has always known shy and quiet Jane, but reading her letters written to his secret persona, opens his eyes to what an amazing woman she is. The only trouble is, Jane doesn’t know that the man who she is falling in love with through letters is also Thomas, the man who is falling in love with her in person.

In the enchanting novella, Blackberry Hollow, by Heather B. Moore, Lucy Quinn travels to England to inspect her inherited estate. Unfortunately, as a resident of New York and nearly engaged, Lucy needs put the house on the market. But first, she wants to learn more about her ancestors. What she doesn’t expect is Calvin Bevans, the man living next door. The two families have been divided by a misunderstanding decades old, and when Lucy discovers a set of love letters, she learns the truth. As Calvin helps her unravel the hidden secrets between the two families, Lucy finds that she has more reasons to stay in England than to return to New York. And Calvin is at the top of that list.

My Review:

The new Timeless Romance Anthology, The Love Letters Collection, is a perfect read for Valentines Day. I loved the combination of contemporary and historical stories. There is a story to fit your every mood and reading tastes. The unique thing that binds all six stories together is that there are love letters in every novella. From the first story, Maggie’s Song, where two best friends finally confess their love through some letters (This happy ending gave me chills and I gave a huge sigh) to the last story, Blackberry Hollow where two great grandchildren of former lovers become close themselves(and maybe more…you need to read it yourself!). These romance stories are high on the clean factor and zero on anything erotic. All of the stories are written with appealing characters whose stories stayed in my mind days after reading them.

I love how each of these stories are told. I have become a true lover of these novellas. The Timeless Romance Anthologies are always quick easy reads. They never fail to make me smile. As a busy woman I like to be able to read a story and have it resolved quickly. A full length novel doesn’t always work with my busy schedule of working full-time and being a single mom.

Do yourself a favor and pick up this new collection of romance stories. They are well written by authors I’ve come to trust, and they know how to deliver a great story.

You can purchase your copy here at Amazon.

The Orchard by Krista Lynne Jensen – Countdown to Summer 2013

Posted by Shanda Countdown to Summer

Jun 262013

Nearly every one of Krista Lynne Jensen’s elementary school teachers made a note on her report card pointing out that she was a “day-dreamer”. It was not a compliment. So, when Krista grew up, she put those day dreams down on paper for others to enjoy. When writing, she fuels her creativity with chocolate-covered cinnamon bears and popcorn. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, hiking, her family, and sunshine. But not laundry. She never day-dreams about laundry.

Visit Krista: WEBSITE | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

* * *

LDSWBR: What books do you plan/hope to read this summer?

KRISTA: We are in the process of moving, and are in the depths of all the paperwork involved in an international adoption. Alas, my free reading time is almost non-existent. But I did get to beta read for a few friends: Robison Wells’ sequel to BLACKOUT, which was awesome. And Marion Jensen’s sequel to ALMOST SUPER, which was equally awesome. I can’t wait until the first books in these series come out, then I will read each of those again. I have some Sarah Eden on the pile, and The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen. Heather Moore, Melanie Jacobson, Dan Wells, Brandon Sanderson, and some summer love with Nora Roberts. I really like to mix it up. I’d like to catch up on some Georgette Heyer, too. I hope to have some time to indulge soon, because that list is huge.

LDSWBR: Did you ever go to summer camp, and/or what is your most memorable camping experience?

KRISTA: I love camping. My parents were big campers. As a matter-of-fact when I was little we had one car. Just one. And because we just had one, and we liked to camp so much, my parents chose a VW camper bus. It was red and awesome. The top popped up and made a bunk bed. Me and my sister got to sleep up there. In the morning we’d peek over the edge and wake up Mom and Dad. It had a little fridge and a table on a hinge. The water from the little pump sink tasted gross, though. Later we tent camped and I liked that, too, but I really loved that camper. I loved that I got to ride around all year, to school, to the store, in our camper bus.

LDSWBR: If you could have a summer home anywhere in the world, where would it be?

KRISTA: This is a really hard and tortuous question. I haven’t been to enough places yet to make that call. But from the places I HAVE been, I think I would choose Lake of the Woods, Oregon. Or Loon Lake in Montana, which inspired part of The Orchard trilogy. I love lakes. So a lake house. Also, a beach house on the Oregon coast. So a beach house, too. Can I have two summer homes? See, now I’m being greedy. I should be thankful for one summer home. I think LDSWBR should hold a drawing for a summer home. Is that why you’re asking us this question? *looks around for secret prize curtain*

LDSWBR: Thanks, Krista! I love how much you loved that VW camper bus. It sounds like a lot of fun! And no on the secret summer home prize. But nice try.

* * *

Find The Orchard

AMAZON (Paperback & Kindle) | DESERET BOOK (Paperback & DB Bookshelf) | SEAGULL BOOK | GOODREADS

Derick and Alisen wanted nothing more than to spend eternity together; however, intolerance and secrets forced Alisen to make a shattering choice between her family and the man she loved.

But destiny always has a way of setting things right . . .

Don’t you just love that cover? One of my favorite covers ever. Okay, beach house or lake house? -OR – Have you ever ridden or camped in or owned a VW camper bus? (Oh, and by the way, DOUBLE SLUG BUG!)

* * *

To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013, leave a thoughtful comment below.

Comment on each Countdown to Summer 2013 post for more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

Prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions HERE.

If you don’t already follow LDSWBR through email, Facebook or Twitter (those cute little book buttons on the sidebar) you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. Following LDSWBR is not required but it is nice to know that our book reviews are useful to other readers.

If one of our LDSWBR reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, perhaps you would consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2013. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Book prizes generously donated by the authors as of 6/26/2013 (more added throughout the countdown!):

A Blind Eye by Julie Daines (signed), a bookmark AND a Mind the Gap temporary tattoo
I, Spy by Jordan McCollum (choice of paperback or ebook)
Sworn Enemy by A.L. Sowards (choice of paperback or ebook)
Glimmer of Hope by Sarah M. Eden
A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver
Fairy Godmothers, Inc. by Jenniffer Wardell (signed paperback)
Esther the Queen by H.B. Moore (Kindle or Nook)
Belonging to Heaven by Gale Sears (or winner’s choice of another book by Gale)
Farworld: Air Keep by J. Scott Savage (personalized copy)
A Way Back to You by Emily Gray Clawson (personalized paperback)
Deep Cover by Traci Hunter Abramson (personalized paperback)
Second Chances by Melanie Jacobson (signed copy)
Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor’s Secret by Chad Morris (winner’s choice of hardcover or audiobook)
When the Butterflies Came by Kimberley Griffiths Little (signed hardcover and bookmarks)
The Orchard by Krista Lynne Jensen

By commenting and participating in the Countdown to Summer 2013 you agree to the following:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins June 10, 2013 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight June 30, 2012 Mountain Time; to enter, complete the required entry on each post and any additional entries of your choice if listed; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment as per each post’s required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected July 2, 2013 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winners will have until July 10, 2013 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments & questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen – Countdown to Summer 2012

Posted by Shanda Countdown to Summer, Special Features

Jun 252012

I have lived my entire life in the Northwestern United States surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lakes. I’m passionate about writing. And chocolate-covered cinnamon bears. I’m busy with my family and trying to keep up with the stories playing out in my head while ignoring the dishes and laundry. I have three books under contract with Covenant Communications. I am so excited I can hardly speak. Thus, the writing. The Orchard. The Inn. My debut novel, Of Grace and Chocolate, coming 2012. Skipping around the room.

Follow Krista: BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

LDSWBR: Do you find it easier or more difficult to write during the summertime? Why?

KRISTA: So far writing in the summer is more difficult. I have four kids aged 10-19 and a husband who is home 6 weeks of the season, which is all wonderful, but very distracting. I like to sneak away to my hammock and write or read, but last year my hammock broke. Help me.

LDSWBR: Would you rather be in the pool or next to the pool?

KRISTA: It depends. How is my tan coming along? Is it super hot? Did I just swim five laps? Have I ever swum five laps? Is there a floatie? Has it been 30 minutes since I last ate? Am I fully dressed? There are a lot of things to consider.

LDSWBR: Ice cream or slushie? What flavor?

KRISTA: ICE CREEAAAAAM. Today I just had Cherry Bordeaux at The Mercantile in Pasco, Washington. I also sampled 4 other kinds before making my decision. I chose well.

LDSWBR: Thank you, Krista!

Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen
AMAZON | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

Jillian Parrish likes to keep things predictable. After working for a local publishing company, she returns alone to a spotless apartment, a little dog, and a heavenly chunk of 70 percent cacao and sugar. By design, the closest Jill gets to messy complexities is in the pages of the novel she’s writing. But her carefully arranged life is turned upside down the day she loses her keys and her phone and her flash drive and then is nearly run over by the man who has taken them, Scott Gentry, who mistakenly thought this little trick would be a charming way to get her attention. Barely appeased by Scott’s apologies, Jill goes home only to find another surprise on her doorstep: Evie, Jill’s long-lost sister, a young woman whose addiction-filled, troubled life can only bring harm to the infant in her arms. Yet, Jill is hardly relieved when Evie disappears the next morning, leaving baby Shiloh in Jill’s inexperienced care, and a whole lot of trouble at her door. Within three days, Jill wonders if chocolate will ever be enough to bring balance to her life again. Granted temporary custody of the child, Jill launches a determined search for Evie and begrudgingly accepts Scott’s help and support. As Scott stumbles, crashes, and falls into Jill’s guarded world, he finds himself willing to do anything for the woman he discovers is not made of stone but of strength. But just as guarded hearts begin opening to sweet new possibilities, Evie’s trail leads Jill and Scott into harm’s way, bringing wounds that only grace can heal.

* * *

To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2012, leave a thoughtful comment below.

Be sure to comment on each Countdown to Summer 2012 post for more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

Prizes include a $25 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions HERE.

If one of our LDSWBR reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, perhaps you would consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2012. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Book prizes donated by the authors include:

Reality Check by Karen Tuft

Cold Justice by Kathi Oram Peterson

Journey to the Fringe by Kelli Nielsen

Dangerous Favor by Joyce DiPastena (choice of print, Kindle or Nook)

Twitterpated by Melanie Jacobson

Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen

Older Entries

6 days until summer!

What movie or book character do you relate to or want to be, even if just for a little while?

**Book Prizes (as of 6/15/14 – more to be added to this list!)**

Product Details

Don’t you just love that cover? One of my favorite covers ever. Okay, beach house or lake house? -OR – Have you ever ridden or camped in or owned a VW camper bus? (Oh, and by the way, DOUBLE SLUG BUG!)

Book Prizes (as of 6/15/14 – more to be added to this list!)