Entrusted, by Julie Arduini

I recently had the opportunity to read Julie Arduini’s debut novel, Entrusted. It’s the first in a contemporary romance series set in the Adirondacks, and it’s absolutely delightful. When I realized I was up to blog this week, she was my first thought and, happily (because she’s sweet and awesome) she put together an interview with the main character of Entrusted for you all to enjoy.

So without further ado, I give you Julie and her conversation with Jenna.

Entrusted starts out with you getting in a bit of trouble. Is that what you’re about, Jenna?

Not really. I think a more accurate statement is I find myself in unusual predicaments. Often. I still say that my little incident was all my GPS. Not me.

You spent most of your life in Youngstown, Ohio. What made you leave the area for the mountains?

I spent most of my childhood with an elderly neighbor who was a dear friend. Florence Owens made me promise before she passed away that I would live life to the fullest. After her death I looked around and realized my job didn’t leave room for advancement. I needed change. I found an ad in a rural magazine about a job opening and I called. When the call ended, I had a new job in Speculator Falls, NY.

One of the first people you meet is Carla Rowling. Tell us about her.

I was scared of her at first because she was meeting me on official business as the sheriff, but I quickly realized she was going to be a great friend. She’s warm, funny, sensitive and a great mom to Noah.

You seem to worry about not belonging, yet Pastor Reynolds comes to you for advice. How did that make you feel?

Honored. He’s a respected man in the community and I don’t think what I did by moving to Speculator Falls was that inspirational. And given how Ben reminds me at every chance that I’m not from the area, I’m sure there were better people to talk to than me. But I’m happy he chose me.

Speaking of Ben Regan, tell me about him.

Well, the first meeting didn’t go well. Nor did the second or probably the third. But once I realized it wasn’t so much personal against me but protecting himself from further hurt, he was easier to take. And those muscles from stocking shelves, that’s a perk to visiting JB’s. Ben also has the richest brown eyes. Like chocolate.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Interacting with the senior citizens. They are wonderful people and I’ve learned a lot from them. At my old job in Ohio I didn’t have a lot of direct and consistent contact with them. I’m building deep relationships with everyone at the senior center and I love it.

What do you love about Speculator Falls?

That it’s like family here. The smells. I can’t begin to describe how wonderful it smells outside. The pine and air is so pure and fresh. Sara Bivins took me to the hunting cabin and showed me the journal everyone signs when they visit. That’s a precious memory for me.

What’s your biggest challenge?

I have a few. The senior center needs updating and that costs money. Ben is on the council and he’s definitely not rooting for the center to make it. Quite the opposite, actually. Howard Wheaton is a senior who is a bit grumpy with me, but I think he’s a teddy bear. Kyle Swarthmore is a mogul from New Jersey who has a summer home in the area. He’s nice to me, but I think he has an agenda. I’m on a campaign to have the food service to realize that a dessert is not a fruit cup. It’s chocolate. And, I’m homesick. I miss my parents and sister.

Jenna, thanks for sharing today. I think readers got a great glimpse of you and Speculator Falls.

Great! I hope readers take a chance on us and purchase Entrusted today.

To purchase Entrusted, click

Amazon

CBD

If you enjoyed it, please consider leaving a review at the places above as well as Goodreads and Shelfari. Thanks!

Thanks for swinging by, Julie and Jenna! And, to sweeten the pot, leave a comment below and I’ll send an ecopy through Amazon to one lucky person. Cause it’s that good. (Really, you need to read it.)

Elizabeth Maddrey (292 Posts)

Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace on their way to their own romantic happily ever after.