Interview with the Author
Jessica Marie Holt
The Apron Strings Book series has another new release: book number six! We’re moving to the 1970s with Cynthia by Jessica Marie Holt!
You can purchase Cynthia now on digital or paperback. The Apron Strings Series is a collection of heartfelt inspirational stories featuring a single cookbook that changes hands to different women from decade to decade, from 1920 to 2020. A new title is being released by a different author each month this year.
My book, Kristen, is Book Nine (2000) and will be released in September ‘24. The digital version is available to preorder, but now is the time to introduce you to Cynthia and author Jessica Marie Holt.
First, here’s the back cover copy to tell you what Cynthia is all about:
At twenty-two, Cynthia Bailey has had enough family drama to last a lifetime. She loves her small eastern North Carolina town, and longs to settle into a simple, quiet life on her own . . . or maybe with Tucker, the boy next door who won't stop asking her to marry him. Unfortunately, Momma's wild ways have a tendency of throwing monkey wrenches into Cynthia's plans. Besides, without Cynthia there to keep constant watch over her, Momma is certain to get herself into real trouble.
Cynthia has one respite from her problems: Granny Tru's farm. Momma doesn't like her going there, as she left Granny and farm life behind long ago and expects Cynthia to do the same. But she doesn't dare say much, because if there’s anyone more strong-willed and determined than Momma, it’s Granny.
Cynthia secretly wishes everyone would just get along. But Momma and Granny are worlds apart, with bitterness, family secrets, and tragedies between them. It all seems hopeless until, tired of Momma's frozen TV dinners, Cynthia asks Granny True for help learning to cook. When Granny gives her a vintage cookbook she acquired from a used book shop, she finds much more than cooking lessons. She finds faith, hope, and a way back to healing for her family.
Here’s my review:
This is a sweet story about a young woman finding her place in the world. Themes of family, forgiveness, and boundaries are woven throughout with a thread of faith and a touching romance. I loved the character of Cynthia.
Get to know the author, Jessica Marie Holt:
Tell us what you enjoy most about writing historical romantic fiction.
I love history, and I love storytelling, and I love romance, so it’s all just a perfect fit for me. My favorite part is really the research. I love any excuse to go down historical rabbit holes and learn something new about the past.
What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
I love Mary Lingerfelt’s historical novels, The Sins of Jubal Cooper and Lovers and Leavers of Leadville. She writes so beautifully, and she incorporates real people and events into her books, which always excites me. I wish she would write more historicals. I have begged and pleaded, to no avail.
Is there anything you would like people to take away from your book?
That families are messy but worth saving and fighting for. That with God, the impossible really is possible. That reconciliation, that person who never changes or sees the light, that hard relationship, that unforgiveness—it’s not too hard for God. Also, it’s important to be brave and face the future without fear.
Do you have any odd (writing) habits?
I tend to stand up and twirl around mumbling to myself if I can’t get a sentence right. If I’m really stuck, I will go stare into the pantry as if some Pringles or pretzels will somehow help me. And I tend to work out difficult plot lines on long drives alone in the car. I talk to myself, asking questions and saying things like “YES! That’s it! They’re actually BROTHERS!” If I’m extra excited about my solution, I will bang on the steering wheel. I’m always happy to entertain other drivers with my oddities.
What is your favorite line from your book?
“There wasn’t anything like a morning spent in the garden. God was glorious and mighty on the mountaintops and in the depths of the ocean. But in the garden, He was gentle and kind, coaxing green things up from the earth and bathing them in warmth and light so they could grow to their fullest.”
This line came to me when I was in my own garden, just taking in the wonder of how things grow and how much care God gives even the little plants, and how God is a god of peace and tranquility and stillness as much as he is a god of power and might.
Thank you Jessica!
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May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you; may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm; may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you: may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.
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