Author Spotlight + GIVEAWAY: Denise Hunter

I am thrilled and honored to welcome Denise Hunter to The Power of Words this week! When I was given the opportunity to review Dancing with Fireflies, I jumped at the chance because I've wanted to try Denise's books for a good while. Let me just say that she knows how to entertain and inspire readers with her "swoon-worthy" heroes! Click on the book title to see my review of Dancing with Fireflies.

Denise is graciously giving one of our readers a copy of Dancing with Fireflies (entry details at the end of this post). Now lets enjoy Denise . . .


Q:  Tell us a little about the real Denise Hunter behind the books. Married? Write full time or part time? Introvert or extrovert?

I’ve been happily married for 25 years, and we have 3 boys—2 in college, one in high school. I’m definitely introverted. I’ve been writing for 18 years, and my 25^th book releases this December.


Q:  What are three unique or fun things about you?

I play the drums, I love to travel the world, and I eat my cereal dry. How’s that for random?


Q:  When you read for relaxation, what genre, books or authors do you turn to?

I’m a romance reader all the way! I also read women’s fiction, but it has to have a romantic thread. Some of my favorite authors are Francine Rivers, Diane Chamberlain, and Kristin Hannah.

Q:  Tell us about the Chapel Springs series, the setting, and how the book we're featuring today, Dancing with Fireflies, fits in.

Dancing with Fireflies is the 2^nd book in the Chapel Springs series, though each of the books can stand on their own. The series is set in the fictional river town of Chapel Springs, Indiana (my home state) and features the McKinley family. Each book tells the love story of one of the four grown McKinley children. Readers can expect family drama, romance, tears and laughter, and always, the happily ever after sigh.


Q:  What is something about the lead characters, Daniel and Jade, that will draw readers to them?

Jade is a strong young woman with hidden frailties—like so many of us. She needs her family—and of course, Daniel, to encourage and support her. Daniel . . . sigh! He’s a swoon-worthy mayor-hero with his heart set on Jade—and too afraid of losing her to let her know how he feels. Fireworks were made for these two lovebirds.


Q:  The title, Dancing with Fireflies, certainly creates a beautiful visual image. What is the significance of this title?

The title stems from a memory Daniel has of Jade the first time he met her. When we meet Jade in the current day, she’s lost that spark, and Daniel is determined to help her find it again.


Q:  What is one message that you hope readers will take away from this story?

Risking your heart is difficult after a loss, but don’t be afraid to love fully and deeply. God will carry you through.


Q:  When it comes to contemporary romance, you really shine, Denise. Why write for the Christian market?

Aw, thank you. I’m really blessed to be doing what I love.  Since faith is integral to my life, I can’t imagine writing anything else. It’s a challenge to show faith in an authentic way in a novel, but doing so gives the reader a chance to walk in a character’s shoes, to feel her feelings and think her thoughts. Showing a faith journey in novel form can help readers see things in a new way or cause them to ponder their own circumstances in light of what they’ve learned. What a joy to go on that journey with readers!


Q:  As the writer of over 20 books, have there been changes in the publishing industry that you've had to adapt to?

The publishing world is changing, and rapidly. I feel blessed to have contracts, a wonderful publisher, and loyal readers (whom I dearly love!) in this evolving industry. So much of it is out of my hands, but that’s true of life in general, and all we can do is trust God, day by day, and be thankful for the blessings we already have.


Q:  What’s on the book horizon for you, Denise?

Book 3 in the Chapel Springs series releases December 9^th. I’m so excited about PJ’s story, where a veritable mansion is up for grabs between PJ and a very hunky out-of-towner with a big heart. I love it when the sparks fly!


Q:  What are some ways we can support and encourage you, both personally and as an author, Denise?

I covet your prayers. It’s my heart’s desire to the write the stories he lays on my heart. I also love to hear from my readers! You can find me on Facebook or drop me an email at denise@denisehunterbooks.com.

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GIVEAWAY

To enter the drawing for Dancing with Fireflies, simply answer the following question about Denise's writing and leave your e-mail in a safe format - [at] and [dot]. If you're willing, it's also helpful to share about this giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter.

Question:

Do you have a favorite book or character among the 25 stories Denise has written? If you are new to her books, what genre do you enjoy reading?

Please "like" my Facebook page, ThePowerofWordsBookReviews, if you haven't already. And new followers of this blog are always welcome!

• E-mail required, one entry per person. Odds of winning are based on number of entries.
• Contest open to U.S. residents 18 and older, and ends at midnight PST on Monday, September 1. No purchase necessary.
• Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted by e-mail on Wednesday, September 3. Respond within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be chosen.