Inspy Romance

Inspy Romance—Fall in Love With a Good Book

Meet Jennifer Rodewald’s Latest Hero! Plus Giveaway!

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Welcome back, Jennifer!

Thank you for having me!

Glad to!! We’re excited to meet your latest hero, Craig Erikson! So let’s get started with Craig!

Craig, what family member are you closest to and why?

I am an only child, and my mom is a single mom. We have always been close, but when I was twelve, I realized that her job as a single mom wasn’t easy, and I started taking my role as her son and as the man (I know, I was twelve, but I really thought this way!) of the house seriously. I became consciously more respectful and more protective of her. Later, having my football coach in high school pour into me what a consistent man of integrity looked like also confirmed to me that I needed to be a steady constant for my mom. There’s next to nothing I wouldn’t do for my mom.

That is so special!! And honorable! The title When I Come Home Again indicates a journey. What journey are you on and why?

I guess the journey would be both of self-definition and finding my where I belong in the world. Or maybe, it’d be more accurate, the journey is rediscovering where I belonged all along. I lost myself for a time when success propelled my college football career, and the things that had been clearly important became hazy. This journey has been about having the courage to face the past and the mistakes that lie there, about asking for and giving forgiveness, and about finding that though we fail, God’s faithfulness doesn’t.

So true. God is faithful!

How would you describe yourself?

I’m an extrovert—a total people person, and unquestionably a kid magnet. I have a soft place in my heart for kids who have to overcome adversity—largely because I had known and loved such a kid. I’m usually easy-going and happy, but that is not to say that I don’t have intensity in me. As an athlete, I played hard—with everything I had. As a teacher, I work hard, pouring into my students with everything I can.

Um, well, you sound amazing! Do you have a personal relationship with the Lord?

Yes! My mom, and then later, my high school football coach, among many others, showed me who Jesus is—the Savior of sinner and God of all things—and how to have a relationship with Him. What I’m learning now is how deep His redemption goes; that He can reach the things I thought were lost and broken forever, and that a redeemed life can be lived here and now, even before we reach eternity in heaven.

Amen!

Did we meet you in another book? You seem familiar?

*chuckle* Yeah, probably. I spent some time in Rock Creek and met a spunky little girl named Sydney Brennan there. Oh, her mom, Kale, too. Sydney’s determined personality reminded me of Scottie, a kid who was really special to me before he died, and I was drawn to her. Kale and I went out a few times, but it didn’t work out. All for the best—Kale is now married to a great guy who adored her for years, and the three of them are a happy, awesome family. You’ll find their story in Ordinary Snowflakes. 😉

Oh, no wonder you’re familiar! That’s such a sweet story!!

I’m assuming football is your favorite sport. Why?

Well, to play (and just so we’re clear—I was a receiver, not the quarterback. People always assume I played quarterback. 😉), yes, the fave is football (I know—shocker), although my days on the field are behind me. To watch, my favorite thing ever was to cheer on Brenna Blaum, the fastest distance runner in the state for a few years running—not to mention the love of my life. That girl… she ran with a smile. Seriously. She’d smile her whole way through a 5k race while maintaining just under a six-minute-mile pace. It was kind of breath-taking to watch; I mean, who does that? It was like she felt God’s delight while she ran, and it was all joy to her soul.

Brenna could have made it to the Olympics—I really believe that—and the fact that she didn’t even go to the trials is among my many regrets.

Sounds like a story with Brenna and Craig that we need to read! Thank you!

Thanks for letting me chat here, Janet! 

Jennifer has provided a sneak peak scene for you here!

You have to go check it out!

When a family crisis calls him back to Big Prairie, will Craig Erikson be able to work through past mistakes and the tragedy that had sent him searching for a new place to call home?

Brenna Blaum had been sure of three things in her life—her brother, her running, and her dad’s star receiver. But in a matter of a year’s time, everything she’d counted on fell apart, leaving her devastated. Seven years later, she’s reached stability again—until the man who had broken her heart finds his way back to Big Prairie.

Craig Erikson had it all—popularity, success, and the love of his high school coach’s daughter. But after a year of mistakes which ended in a tragic accident, he left Big Prairie—the place he’d thought to always call home—hoping that without his antagonizing presence, Brenna would be able to heal.

When his mother desperately needs him, Craig returns to Big Prairie. Unsure that she can forgive him, Brenna does her best to avoid him. Certain that he’s still in love with her, he becomes determined not to allow it. Life in a small town forces their interaction, making them confront their unresolved issues and igniting emotions that have smoldered for seven years

As Craig and Brenna are pushed together, can they endure the hard places still littering their lives? If so, is it possible to find their way back to love and home again?

I know you can’t wait to get your copy of When I Come Home Again!

Preorder here on Amazon!

Jennifer Rodewald/J. Rodes lives on the wide plains somewhere near the middle of Nowhere. A coffee addict, pickleball enthusiast, and storyteller, she also wears the hats of mom, teacher, and friend. Mostly, she loves Jesus and wants to see others fall in love with Him too.

She would love to hear from you! Please visit her at  authorjenrodewald.com or at www.facebook.com/authorjenrodewald

What family member are you closest to and why? Since it’s near Christmas, Jennifer has kindly offered to give one eBook copy of Ordinary Snowflakes to someone who comments by December 16th! (void where prohibited)

Janet W Ferguson (66 Posts)

Janet W. Ferguson is a Christy Award finalist and the FHL Readers Choice Award winning author of realistic inspirational fiction. An avid reader, she loved books so much she found a job as a librarian so she could be around them all day. Then she turned that love of story into writing faith-filled novels with characters who feel like best friends. You’ll laugh and cry as the quirky heroes and heroines chase their happily ever after. ​Janet and her husband live in Mississippi where they say y’all a lot, and she forces him to visit the beach as often as possible. They have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space. Connect with her at http://www.janetfergusonauthor.com/


Comments

  1. I’m closest to my mom, She has been the only constant in my life. My siblings weren’t around or left early when i was young (we are 7-8 years apart) and my dad left when I was young also. But my mom has always been there through it all. Love her and miss her living far away from me now. :/ No one can replace her. I love her very much! (please don’t enter me for the ebook as my Kindle doesn’t work right now)

  2. I am closest to my mom. We have always had a special bond and as I have grown older I have realized the sacrifices she made so I could go away to college. She also did a lot of nice things with my children. I am holding this Christmas dear to my heart because I realize it may be our last one together. She had a stroke this fall and her body seems so frail. She turned 91 in July.

  3. I would have to say that I have a few very special cousins I am close to! Thanks for the great post!

  4. I’m closest to my mom, as she is also a dear friend. I would say my parents, but my daddy transitioned to heaven a month ago today and we miss him deeply and that binds us together more. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄

  6. I am closest to my sisters. I can pour out all the good and bad to them without judgement. The help me by restoring me with God’s word.

  10. That is so sweet that you are close. So sorry about your father. Mine was a good man.
    Prayers and hugs,
    Janet

  12. That’s wonderful that y’all are close!! Restoring you with God’s Word is the best!

  13. I’m closest to my Mom. She’s 95 and I’m her caregiver. She still does most things for herself, though she doesn’t see well. I’m chief cook and dishwasher, bill payer, chauffeur, laundress. She can still crochet, do her plastic canvas creations, and make cards. Mom and I have always been close, and now more so. Thankful that I still have her, and that I have this time with her. My Daddy passed away 23 and a half years ago, and I was home with them to help with him before he passed.

  22. I believe I’m closest to my mom. My parents moved near me three years ago, and that’s the first time I’ve ever lived near relatives.
    I’m really glad to be nearby to help with little and big challenges, but also to share the ordinary days.

  24. I am blessed with many good family members from grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. It’d be hard to say which I’m closest to. One of my brothers and I have a lot in common and a great relationship. My grandma was one of the biggest influences in my life with her kind spirit, generous nature and humble servants heart. I am looking forward to reading Craig and Brenna’s story…..Brenna reminds me of another runner that runs the entire race with a smile on her face😉

  25. That’s an easy one for me. It’s just my son and me. We don’t really have any other family left. So, I am closest to my son. I know, sad, but true.

  28. I am closest to my sisters. We lost our dad almost a year ago and since then we have grown even closer as we lost our mom a few years ago.

  29. So sorry about your parents. That’s hard. I miss mine. I’m glad you have your sisters and that y’all are close.
    Blessings,

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