I’m happy to announce the release of Book Three in the Apron Strings Series today with Priscilla! Congratulations to Jenny Knipfer on this beautiful story that is now out in the world. Jenny is the originator of the entire concept behind this series. It was she who gathered together eleven authors and coordinated all the details. This project began a couple of years ago, and I’m grateful to her for all the hard work and love she has poured into it.
You can purchase Priscilla now on digital or paperback. The Apron Strings Series is a string 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 will released by a different author each month of this year.
My own book, Kristen, is Book Nine (2000) and will be released in September ‘24. I’m looking forward to telling you more as we get closer, but now is the time to introduce you to Priscilla and author, Jenny Knipfer.
First, here’s the back cover copy to tell you what Priscilla is all about:
In the post WWII era of 1946, Priscilla Hadley dreams of being a wife and homemaker, but there’s one big obstacle in her mind—Priscilla has been told she can’t cook to save her life. However, she’s out to prove that wrong, especially to handsome but annoying Aaron Johnson, her twin brother Jeremy’s friend and fishing buddy, who also happens to be the local police lieutenant.
In an effort to polish up her culinary shortcomings, Priscilla joins a local cooking club. A woman from the club gifts Priscilla a cookbook that could very well put her on the path to realizing her dreams. Much to their surprise, Priscilla and her family find much more than recipes within the cookbook’s pages. What will be its greatest blessing?
With an ailing father and the Wisconsin family farm to help keep afloat, in the absence of two brothers who died in the war, where will Priscilla find the time to learn to cook? Will she renew her faith in the presence of adversity or allow her present fears and past losses to dictate her future?
Here’s my review:
Pricilla is a story set in the 1940s that really seems to center around the theme of trusting God in all things. It’s also a story about the love of family and friends--and there’s definitely some romance as well. I was rooting for the characters, and I enjoyed the historical aspects of this book. I highly recommend it!
Get to know the author, Jennifer Knipfer:
Tell us what you enjoy most about writing historical romantic fiction.
To be honest, I enjoy the historical part more than the romantic part of the fiction that I write. I love reading and learning about things, so writing historical fiction opens up the door for me to learn more as I research different time periods for my stories. The fact that I am sharing some history with my readers also brings me enjoyment.
As far as romance goes, I strive to have something a little different in that department than the predictable pendulum swing of many romantic stories. I like to weave in more real life issues but yet still provide a happy ending.
What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
Some Christian writers who I rely on for writing quality historical fiction are Lorraine Snelling, Lynn Austin, and Chris Fabry. I do read quite a bit of general historical fiction as well and have recently gotten into older suspense novels. Lately, I particularly have been enjoying Phyllis Whitney’s books.
Is there anything you would like people to take away from your book?
I always want my readers to be inspired and encouraged before being entertained. I don’t want to write a book just to put out an entertaining story. I want deeper meanings behind the stories I write and publish. Life is hard, and we all struggle with different things. Reading how characters handle difficult situations in fiction can encourage us in our lives. And I always want people to be pointed to God. I can’t write a story without Him, nor without Him being in it.
Do you have any odd (writing) habits?
Not per say, but I think I operate a little differently than many other authors that I’ve become acquainted with. I don’t have stacks of notebooks or sticky notes or vision boards. I do everything digitally because of my disability from MS. I can no longer write physically or type on a traditional computer keyboard, except with one finger and that gets difficult. I dictate on my iPad for the most part. I usually come up with a rough outline, and often write the synopsis for the book before I even begin writing the story. And then my imagination takes me the rest of the way.
What is your favorite line from your book?
I think every first line or two of each book I’ve written. I alway strive to make an instant connection with readers and pull them into the story with a strong first sentence or two. These are probably my favorite opening lines, from my historical WWI novel, Silver Moon.
“The door between death and life is so thin. I could melt into the passageway as easily as floating on water. It is a place just one step away from drowning. I could be buoyant and breathing one minute, then not. Death’s door, becoming a fluid birth.”
Priscilla, Book Three order link
Thank you, Jenny! It was a pleasure to chat!
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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.