Interview of Jolene Perry
One thing that I really ‘get into’ during the holiday season it is enjoying all the holiday stories in book or movie form. It is one of my ‘go-to’ activities for helping me get into the Christmas spirit. This week I was blessed with the opportunity to read All I Want: THREE STORIES. THREE COUPLES. ONE HOLIDAY.
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Pretty Near Perfect by Jolene Perry
The last thing Norah needs is to be attracted to anyone – especially in her deceased fiancé’s parents’ home.
Collin’s starting a new career, and has no business getting involved – especially while staying with his roommate’s family, who very kindly offered to take him in for the holidays.
Unfortunately, you just don’t always pick the most convenient time and place to fall for someone.
Six Days of Christmas by Kaylee Baldwin
When Natalie goes home with her best friend for Christmas, she expects plenty of quiet time to work on a winning ad so she can turn her dream internship into her dream job.
Instead, she gets time-consuming Christmas festivities, a house full of children, and Jimmy, her best friend’s brother – someone who makes her question everything she’s always thought she wanted.
Twist of Fate by Rachael Anderson
When a postcard meant for Kenzie winds up in Ty’s mailbox, Ty’s faced with a decision.
Should he tell her that her fiancé is breaking up with her and let it ruin her favorite holiday, or should he do what he’s wanted to do since he met her – make a move and hope that he can win her over before she discovers there won’t be a wedding after all.
Meet the Authors of All I Want
Author Jolene Perry
Jolene Perry is an enigmatic figure. She is most often seen behind her laptop, staring at the words flying onto the screen with reckless abandon.
She survived growing up in rural Alaska, driving like a lunatic, and her husband’s careers in the military, as a perpetual student, and as an Alaska State Prosecutor. She also survived as a middle school math teacher using her degree in Political Science and French.
One day Jolene was playing her guitar (probably something juvenile for her kids) when she wondered what it would be like to write a song for a rockstar, and her first book was born. (that book is shelved)
She now lives a very glamorous life as a stay-at-home mom, elbow deep in dirty dishes and peanut butter sandwiches. She doesn’t even attempt to keep up with the laundry because non-writing time is precious, and her family is sorta awesome.
Links: Website * Twitter * Blog * Facebook
Author Rachael Anderson
Rachael Anderson is the author of four contemporary romances: Divinely Designed, Luck of the Draw, Minor Adjustments, and The Reluctant Bachelorette. She’s the mother of four, can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.
Links: Facebook * Website * Twitter
Author Kaylee Baldwin
Kaylee grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in English literature.
She currently lives in southern Arizona with my husband, Jeremy, and their three children. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading, starting new craft projects, and spending time with my family.
Links: Facebook * Website * Twitter
My Thoughts about All I Want
Having read a novel by Rachael Anderson already this year, I suspect that I would enjoy this compilation of stories even though I had not read the other authors.
This title definitely lived up to my expectations and helped create a nice, warm fuzzy feeling on the cold winter nights here in Alaska.
While each of these is a stand-alone novel, I have to admit that when I can to the end of Pretty Near Perfect I had a longing to read more about Norah and Collin.
The story blended both the sadness of Christmas time with the death of a loved one hanging overhead with a love at first sight story.
The holidays can be stressful on their own, but adding in the loss felt when someone dies can really morph it into a suffocating situation.
Joelle did a great job conveying the sadness felt by those left behind and the excitement of meeting someone who feels like you are coming home.
Six Days of Christmas was a fun read and has me thinking about doing more with my boys to learn about Christmas around the world.
What fun to experience different traditions in the days leading up to Christmas!
This love story also proves that what looks good ‘on paper’ isn’t the best way to select your spouse and that the best choice might be right under your nose.
Twist of Fate used an interesting dilemma to jump-start its romance story… would you tell someone a relationship was over or just try to win them over?
Personally, I’d have been upfront and then supportive on the back end.
But, I have a feeling that a change in the plot would make for a far less interesting story.
All I Want is available for $2.99 in Kindle format or $9.99 in paperback. It truly is an enjoyable read for a long winter’s night.
Interview of Jolene Perry
I am thankful to have had the opportunity to interview Jolene Perry when doing this book review.
As this collection is all about Christmas wishes, what are you wishing for this year?
My younger brother’s bringing his family up this year and I get to meet the new baby, so that’s my highlight this year 😀
What is a memorable Christmas for you and why?
When I was about ten, we had no power for about four days around Christmas. We cooked the whole Christmas meal on top of our wood stove. I still remember how cool that was.
I have a real love of music, especially Christmas carols and even some of the ‘sappy’ holiday songs. What are some of your favorites?
I love Walking in a Winter Wonderland, and my kids and I love to sing Let It Snow. I played the guitar for our church Christmas dinner last year, and fell in love with We Three Kings – such a cool melody and key.
What drew you to write in the romance genre?
There is something beautiful about happy endings, and the trials that every couple has to go through to be together. Even when the beginnings of a relationship are easy, there are still steps to get to the place where you both feel it, and I love writing those moments.
Who has been an inspiration in your life? How did they have an impact?
My parents are about the coolest people I know. I’m VERY lucky. And my husband. He has encouraged me like no one else as I’ve jumped into the incredible world of writing, writers and books.
Between reviews and pleasure reading, I tend to see a lot of books each year. However, I love getting recommendations, too. What are the last few books you’ve read and would you recommend them to others?
Waiting by Carol Lynch Williams was a heart-wrenching, but beautiful read. Hourglass by Myra McEntire was SO unique and there were a million twists along the way that I loved. I go through between 2 and 4 books a week, so my answer to this question changes all the time…
Thanks so much for having me!! ~ Jolene
Finally, you can see what other reviewers think of this title on the All I Want Blog Tour Page.