Today I welcome my friend Jennifer Hallmark to the blog.
I met Jennifer some years ago at an ACFW conference and I was immediately drawn to her warm smile and easy going demeanor. I’m excited to be part of her blog tour for Jessie’s Hope.
Take it away, Jennifer!
Jessie’s Hope grew from a short story developed from writing prompts by my local writers’ group. From those prompts, I drew a wedding dress designer, faded coveralls, and a dusty baseball cap.
I received positive feedback on the 756-word short story so I thought I’d see where the characters would take me.
The ease in which the story unfolded surprised me.
What wasn’t surprising is the fact that Jessie is physically challenged. You see, my dad, paralyzed from the chest down due to a spinal disease, was in a wheelchair from the time I was six until he passed when I was twenty-eight. I have no memory of him walking.
Even though, as a child, I knew Dad was different from my friends’ dads, his condition was just part of life. Everyone needed to help him, but he also worked hard on motor skills to take some of the burden off my mom, me, and my brother.
Dad had a high IQ and helped us with homework. He also helped Mom with planning gardens and ways to can and freeze their bounty.
It upset me when people who didn’t know my dad would treat him like he was mentally deficient because he was physically challenged.
I believe that is the biggest why behind my novel Jessie’s Hope.
I have the ability to portray Jessie as someone who is like everyone else, which was also true with my dad.
All my books and many short stories I’ve written have the same theme. Hope. Overcoming obstacles. Forgiveness. Redemption. That’s probably why my blog is all about small acts of kindness.
There were good people in our lives growing up, people who helped my parents and made our lives a little easier. I was thankful then and am thankful now for people who see beyond the physical, people who are kind.
Most friends and family who visited my dad said they came to encourage him but left more encouraged themselves. He was able to go beyond his handicap and the self-pity which could have easily come with it and give hope to others.
Oh, and by the way, his name was Jesse.
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Amazon | Amazon Kindle | B&N | BAM
Years ago, an accident robbed Jessie Smith’s mobility. It also stole her mom and alienated her from her father. When Jessie’s high school sweetheart Matt Jansen proposes, her parents’ absence intensifies her worry that she cannot hold on to those she loves.
With a wedding fast approaching, Jessie’s grandfather Homer Smith, has a goal to find the perfect dress for “his Jessie,” one that would allow her to forget, even if for a moment, the boundaries of her wheelchair. But financial setbacks and unexpected sabotage hinder his plans.
Determined to heal from her past, Jessie initiates a search for her father. Can a sliver of hope lead to everlasting love when additional obstacles—including a spurned woman and unpredictable weather—hijack Jessie’s dream wedding?
Jennifer Hallmark
Jennifer Hallmark writes Southern fiction and has published 200+ internet articles and interviews, short stories in several magazines, and has co-authored three book compilations. Jessie’s Hope, released on June 17th, 2019.
When she isn’t babysitting or gardening, you can find her at her desk writing fiction or working on her two blogs. She also loves reading detective fiction from the Golden Age and viewing movies like LOTR or Star Wars. Sometimes you can even catch her watching American Ninja Warrior.
June Blog Tour Giveaway Extravaganza
June 10th-June 30th
Prizes include:
- $25 Amazon Gift Card
- $10 Starbucks Gift Card
- Print copy of Jessie’s Hope
- 2 Kindle copies of Jessie’s Hope
Giveaway details: Go to my Rafflecopter Page to enter and possibly win one of five prizes to be drawn by Rafflecopter. Winners will be revealed on the author’s blog on July 1st. You can only enter by visiting my June blog tour from June 10th until June 30th. My visits include:
June 13th–Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud/Jennifer Slattery
June 14th–Favorite Friday Fiction/Me
June 15th–Inspired Prompt/Betty Thomason Owens
June 17th–Author Trish Perry/Trish Perry
June 17th–Southern Writers Magazine
June 18th–Author Liz Tolsma/Liz Tolsma
June 19th–Inspired Prompt/Betty Thomason Owens
June 21st–Snark & Sensibility/Linda Rondeau
June 24th–Fear Warrior/Jerusha Agen
June 24th–Author June Foster/June Foster
June 25th–Trumpet Tuesdays/Julie Arduini
June 26th–Seriously Write/Sandra Ardoin
June 28th–Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction/Cynthia Herron
June 29th–The Write Conversation/Edie Melson
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SHARING IS CARING
The inspiration behind Jessie’s Hope, author Jennifer Hallmark’s debut novel, and why this particular story holds special meaning.
How do physical challenges affect those we love? Join author Jennifer Hallmark as she shares more about her debut novel, Jessie’s Hope. (With a giveaway)!
Have you or someone you know faced physical challenges during various life seasons?
In regard to limitations and obstacles, how can we best educate others?
Original Image Credit: enriquelopezgarre/Pixabay
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Thank you, Jennifer, for being my guest today. Thank you, dear reader, for joining us!
No worries if your comment doesn’t immediately appear. I’ll check back often and update as needed. Be sure and enter Jennifer’s fabulous prize giveaway!
Much Love and Many Blessings,
Comments 8
Thanks so much for letting me drop by, Cynthia!
Author
Such a delight to have you, Jennifer! Congratulations on the release of Jessie’s Hope. So happy for you!
Jennifer, thank you for sharing the inspiration for your novel. Don’t we read stories to give us insights into other people’s situations and emotions?
My father had a leg amputated during WWII while a prisoner in a German POW camp, so I grew up knowing the challenges a loved ones faces living with a disability. Ironically, my husband had a severe work injury to his leg a few years ago and now wears a brace to walk. Both are examples of strong, faithful men who consider themselves blessed with God’s plans as they have helped others.
My writing also has themes of overcoming difficulties by relying on faith and His promises. I believe we’re kindred souls! Congratulations on the release of Jessie’s Hope!
I’m so glad to meet you, Sherida! Its always good to talk to someone who understands. Thank you for sharing your story…
Author
Sherida, thanks so much for stopping by! I remember you sharing about your father and husband. Indeed, what men of strength and courage!
Jennifer, I love knowing the parts of your life that influenced your story. It adds a new layer of appreciation and meaning.
Author
Karen, I’m always fascinated how authors weave aspects of truth in their stories. I think our stories are richer for it.
Thanks, Karen. 💕