Jodie Wolfe

Jodie Wolfe, Author of Burrton Springs Brides Series

/ kellyfbarr / 1 Comment

Just two days until Convincing Lou releases tomorrow, August 16th! Here’s the back cover blurb:

Ellie Lou Williams will do just about anything to save her ranch, even going undercover as a man to round up a fella who is late to his own wedding. The reward will more than cover the money she owes the bank and solve all her problems.

Caleb Dawson agrees to one final job as a deputy US Marshal before he starts his new life away from the trail and tracking criminials. What he isn’t counting on is a mysterious bounty hunter who’s determined to undermine his every step.

Will one reach their goal first? Or will they learn to lean on God and work together?

In honor of its upcoming release, here are new questions I asked for a fresh new interview with the author, Jodie Wolfe:

Q. What was your favorite chapter book as an elementary age child?

A. Definitely the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Q. What was your favorite book as a teenager?

A. It’s too hard to narrow it down to a particular book, but probably the Trixie Beldon series.

Q. What is your current favorite book?

A. That’s difficult to say. Two favorites that come to mind are: If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer and A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell.

Q. When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

A. When I was in grade school and started writing stories about my dog.

Q. What does a typical day look like for you?

A. It depends on which stage of the writing/marketing process I’m working on. Recently, I’ve been working on finishing the rough draft of a new book while also marketing for a book release. I try to juggle all that, plus social media posts and taking care of our home too. A lot of times, the home suffers if I’m in the midst of deadlines.

Q. Has your writing been influenced by any other author? If so, which author, and how did that author influence your writing?

A. The two biggest ones would have been Janette Oke and Lori Wick. Their writing style spoke to me and probably influenced the way I write too.

Q. So far, all of your books have been set in the Old West. Are you planning more books set in the Old West, or will you move to a different setting?

A. I actually have a book I wrote that’s set in a lighthouse on the east coast. At some point, I’ll go back and edit it and see about getting it published and write two more in that series. For now, I’ll be taking a detour for a while and will be writing about southcentral PA. Eventually, I plan to write a series set in Texas too.

Q. What’s your favorite thing about writing Historical Fiction?

A. I love the time period — particularly the 19th century. I love researching and learning new things that I can include in stories.

Q. Do you think you’ll ever write another genre? If so, what genre would you like to try?

A. I have dabbled in children’s books — but those have only been for my six grandchildren. I also have written Bible studies, but as of now, they aren’t published.

Q. Now that the Burrton Springs Brides Series is finished, what’s next for you?

A. This isn’t finalized yet, but here’s the working copy of the back cover blurb to Abigail’s Pursuit, which is the book I just finished writing. It still needs to go through the editing process, but I’m excited about my ‘Time to Come Home’ Series that will be set in Shippensburg, PA.

Abigail’s Pursuit working back cover blurb:

Abigail Stewart is on the verge of losing everything she holds dear to her heart. When the man who is responsible for the death of her brother offers to help, she, at first, refuses. How can she work with her enemy? What’s to stop him from betraying her?

Wounded during the Civil War, Daniel Thompson must come to grips with making amends and fulfilling his friend’s dying request. He longs to find the family who told him to return, with hopes of seeking forgiveness. Can two wounded hearts find their way back home?

Jodie Wolfe’s Bio:

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She’s been a semifinalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, knitting, and walking. Learn more at http://www.jodiewolfe.com.

Social Media Links

www.jodiewolfe.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodie.wolfe.1

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jodie-wolfe

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie Wolfe

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/Bo1EAWOHXO/ref=dp byline cont ebooks 1

MeWe: https://mewe.com/jodiewolfe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-wolfe-3955b2bb/

Purchase Links:

https://qr.pbgrp.link/convlou

Guest Post by Jodie Wolfe

/ kellyfbarr / 5 Comments

Finding Peace This Holiday Season

By Jodie Wolfe

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I struggle with finding peace. Especially when life is hectic, or I’m thrown by unexpected sorrow and pain, or I’m feeling under the weather. Any number of things can get me off-kilter and trying to find peace in the midst of whatever situation I’m facing seems difficult. I have to remind myself to go back to the source, my Prince of Peace.

For to us a child is born,to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

I love this foretelling of Jesus’ birth and who He is. Somehow it helps to put whatever I’m struggling with into perspective. No matter what I’m facing, I’m reminded that I have a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace who cares about every detail of my life. What a comfort.

Then there’s the promise Jesus gave before His death on the cross and resurrection.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)

When you get worn out or frazzled this holiday season, take a few moments and find all the verses in the Bible that talk about the true peace which can only be found in Jesus Christ. Perhaps after reading a few, your heart will lighten knowing you can give all your burdens to your Heavenly Father who knows you better than anyone.

May you find peace this Christmas.

Bio

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Social Media Links

Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jodie-wolfe

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

MeWe: https://mewe.com/jodiewolfe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-wolfe-3955b2bb/

Blurb

Enoch Valentine has given up finding peace for his past mistakes. He throws everything he has into being the new part-time deputy in Burrton Springs, Kansas while maintaining the foreman position at a local horse ranch. But when trouble stirs on the ranch, he questions whether he’s the right man for either job.

Peace has been elusive for most of Gertrude Miller’s life, especially under the oppressiveness of an overbearing mother. She takes matters into her own hands and sends for a potential husband, while also opening her own dress shop. Gertrude hopes to build a future where she’ll find peace and happiness.

Will either of them ever be able to find peace?

Author Interview with Jodie Wolfe

/ kellyfbarr / 3 Comments

It’s great to be here, Kelly. Thanks for having me.

Hello Jodie, It’s been three years since I last interviewed you for the release of Taming Julia, which was the first book in your Burrton Springs Brides series. It released on Valentine’s Day of 2020. I’ve also read and reviewed two of your books, To Claim Her Heart (https://kellyfbarr.com/2018/05/14/to-claim-her-heart-a-book-review/) and Taming Julia (https://kellyfbarr.com/2020/04/06/taming-julia-by-jodie-wolfe/). It’s a pleasure to interview you again today as Book 3 of the Burrton Springs Brides is about to release.

Q: You published your very first book independently in May of 2016. You now have an upcoming book, Wooing Gertrude, to be released in just a couple weeks on September 15th. So, how many books, in total, will you have published when Wooing Gertrude comes out?

A: I guess technically ten books. 😊 I have two indie fiction books. Wooing Gertrude will make my sixth traditionally published book. I also indie published a short etiquette book that coincides with To Claim Her Heart. I participated in a devotional book for homeschool moms, writing five devotions for it.

Q: As I said, your very first book was independently published. Wooing Gertrude is being published by White Rose Publishing. Can you tell us a little about White Rose Publishing and when you began working with them?

A: Taming Julia was my first book with White Rose Publishing. They have been a real blessing to me. It’s like being part of a family. We support each other in our writing, but also are a prayer support for whatever is going on in our lives.

Q: How is publishing with a publishing company different from independently publishing, and what do you see as the benefits of each of these publishing options?

A: There’s a lot of freedom with independent publishing, but all the aspects of the project fall completely on you to take care of. While working with a traditional publisher, I feel like I have a team behind me. They work hard to make sure we create the best product and assist with the marketing and getting the finished product into the hands of more people.

Q: The line at the top of your website says, “Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet”. Do you consider that your tagline or brand? Why did you choose that particular line?

A: That’s my brand. I try to write stories that always have hope no matter what my characters are going through. I try to throw in quirks because they are what make life fun and interesting. 😊

Q: Now, let’s talk a little bit about your upcoming release, Wooing Gertrude. According to the back cover book blurb, your main female character, Gertrude, sends for a potential husband. Is that a twist on the Mail Order Bride idea?

A: It is. Although it was something that some women did, it wasn’t very often. Most times it was the male sending for a bride.

Q: The back book blurb of Wooing Gertrude also asks whether or not either of the main characters will find peace. So, is peace the theme of the story, and what made you decide on that theme?

A: Yes, the main theme of the book is finding peace. The themes I pick for my books are usually something God has recently taught me or is in the process of teaching me at the time. I often learn more about the topic along with my characters.

Q: The first book of the Burrton Springs Brides series was published February 14, 2020, the second one on November 12, 2021, and the upcoming third book will be out on September 15, 2023. So there was a little more than a year between the first and second books and there will be almost two years between book 2 and book 3. Do you set goals and shoot for a certain amount of times between books or how do you determine how long each book or series will take?

A: While this is a longer gap than I hoped for, sometimes life gets in the way of deadlines – self-imposed or otherwise. I’ve had a rough couple years with family situations, which is why it took me a while to write Wooing Gertrude. I recently turned in the final book in the series, which will hopefully be Convincing Lou.

I typically can have a book written within a few months and then a couple months for edits. When I turn the book in to my publisher, they typically take six months before I hear back from them and then we go through the editing process. Once I sign a contract, the book is usually out within about nine months or so.

The Burrton Springs Brides Series originally was only going to have three books in it, but as I wrote Wooing Gertrude, I knew I needed to have a book for a character I introduced in Taming Julia and has been mentioned in each of the books in the series.

Q: Will there be more books to the Burrton Springs Brides series, or is Wooing Gertrude the final book of the series?

😊 As I mentioned, there will be one more book in the series – Convincing Lou.

Q: Out of all the books you’ve written, which book is your favorite and why? And, which character is your favorite and why?

A: This is always a hard question to answer for authors. It’s like asking, which one of your kids is your favorite? 😊 If I had to narrow it down, I would say my favorite is Taming Julia because Jules was such a fun and unpredictable character to create. She’s totally different from me.

On a personal note, To Claim Her Heart is also a favorite because it includes true stories of some of my husband’s family who participated in the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893. It’s a book my mother-in-law was passionate about. Unfortunately, she didn’t live to see it published.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

A: I had fun researching the possibility of including some furry creatures in Wooing Gertrude that quickly steal her heart. You’ll have to read the book to find out what they are. 😊

Thanks for having me here today!

It was my pleasure. Best wishes on Wooing Gertrude and your future writing!

Here is Jodie’s Bio and information where you can find more about her books and connect with her: Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Social Media Links

Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jodie-wolfe

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

MeWe: https://mewe.com/jodiewolfe

And be sure to purchase Wooing Gertrude this Friday, September 15, 2023!

Taming Julia by Jodie Wolfe

/ kellyfbarr / Leave a comment

TamingJulia_w12704_680

I just finished reading “Taming Julia” by Jodie Wolfe and I read it in just two days.

Drew needs a wife as soon as possible if he wants to keep his job. He places an ad, but Julia isn’t what he expected.

Julia wears breeches and a stetson, and she totes more than one gun. She is unfamiliar with most things women do and wear, when she arrives in Burrton Springs to move in with a man she married by proxie.

Things don’t go as either Drew or Julia thought they would, and in the beginning, that makes for some laugh-out-loud reading. But as time passes, things grow more serious and the trouble becomes downright dangerous. Soon the reader is on the edge of their seat wondering how things will turn out for Drew and Julia and hoping for the best.

This is a sweet romance story with a message of faith, love, and perseverance. It is an easy read, and it grabbed my attention from the very first page to the last page. It was very enjoyable.

So, if you need something to cheer you up while you’re housebound due to the coronavirus, or you love Christian Romance stories or stories set in the Old West, this book is sure to please.

This is the second book I’ve read by Jodie Wolfe and I will continue reading her books because they are simply delightful. You can see my review of “To Claim Her Heart” by Jodie Wolfe here, and if you’d like to know more about Jodie, you can read my author interview with her here.

An Interview with Author, Jodie Wolfe

/ kellyfbarr / Leave a comment

Jodie Wolfe

I recently had the opportunity to interview author, Jodie Wolfe. She writes Christian Historical Romance novels. She has a new book that will release on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2020.

Q: How long have you been a published author, and how long did it take you to publish your first book?

I’ve been a published author since May of 2016. My first book was indie published, and I wrote it earlier that year.

Q: You have quite a few books published and available on Amazon: a two-book series–series title, “Twins and Needles”; an anthology entitled “Let Love Spring: A Historical Spring Collection”; a Christmas anthology entitled “The Hope of Christmas”; and “To Claim Her Heart” which came out in 2018. You also have a nonfiction title: “Mrs. Wigglesworth’s Essential Guide to Proper Etiquette and Manners of Refined Society”. What was your first published book, and what led you to write the nonfiction Mrs. Wigglesworth book?

My first published book was Hearts Tightly Knit.

Mrs. Wigglesworth’s Essential Guide to Proper Etiquette and Manners of Refined Society came about because her sayings are at the beginning of each chapter in my book, To Claim Her Heart. Readers so enjoyed these quips that I decided to offer an ebook with more of them.

Q: Your fiction stories are historical fiction. What led you to decide to write this particular genre?

My love for historical fiction developed as a little girl, reading and watching Little House on the Prairie.

Q: I read and reviewed, your last release, “To Claim Her Heart”. I enjoyed that story. You create such interesting characters that draw your readers into the story and keep them reading. You also include some great historical facts about the places you write about. I enjoyed reading about the “runs” in order to purchase property in “To Claim Her Heart”. That story was set in 1893. Your upcoming release, “Taming Julia” is set in 1875. What is it about the 1800s that inspires you to write about that time period?

I love that time period – the styles of clothing, the simplistic life, as well as so many things were being discovered, created, etc.

Q: Also, both “To Claim Her Heart” and the upcoming “Taming Julia” are set in the Old West. What is it about the Old West that draws you to write about it?

Part comes from those Laura Ingalls Wilder books, and also part developed years ago when my in-laws were living in the country and my father-in-law was the pastor of a tiny church. I had the opportunity to visit many areas of interest that spurred ideas for stories.

Q: When did you know you wanted to be a writer and what gave you that desire?

My desire to be a writer happened in grade school after a school assignment to write a poem. I wrote about my absolute favorite thing at the time – Snoopy. Soon after I was creating little stories… I was hooked and knew I wanted to be a writer.

Q: You are a member of both ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and RWA (Romance Writers of America). Can you tell us a little about these organizations and why you find it valuable to be a member of these groups?

Each organization has something special to offer. ACFW is a great network for learning about current trends in publishing, encouragement, courses, etc. As for RWA, my main reason to be a part of that is because of the group within RWA – Faith, Hope, & Love https://www.faithhopelove-rwa.org/. They are a great resource for asking questions, providing support and ideas, etc. I recently joined Compel Training https://compeltraining.com/home-member/ through Proverbs 31 Ministry. They provide weekly teachings, online support/learning groups, critique groups, etc. Each of these groups has been helpful in my writing journey.

Q: Your new book, “Taming Julia”, will release on Friday, February 14, 2019. Can you tell us a little bit about it?

Here’s the back cover blurb:

In 1875, Kansas bachelor Drew Montgomery’s sole desire is to serve God, but his congregation’s ultimatum that he marry or leave, forces him to advertise for a wife by proxy.

Jules Walker strides into Drew’s life wearing breeches and toting a gun and saddle–more cowboy than bride. After years on the trail, she’s not exactly wife material, but she longs for home and family, and will do anything to ensure Drew never discovers what she really is.

Q: Your female characters are strong and independent. Why do you choose to write them in this way? Do you base your female characters on yourself?

I think those type of characters are fun and provide lots of opportunities for struggles and conflict within the story. As for basing the characters on myself, there’s always a tiny bit of me in each one, but I don’t know that I would call myself strong and independent. 🙂

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

While the majority of the story takes place in Kansas, there’s a portion that is set in Texas. I had the pleasure of visiting my husband’s aunt and uncle a couple years ago to see the area they helped me write about. We had the chance to go on private property and view the spot I wrote about that causes bad memories for Jules. I’ll let it at that so I don’t ruin the story for you. 🙂

Thanks for having me here today, Kelly.

TamingJulia_w12704_680

You’re welcome. Thank you for being here and giving readers a little glimpse into you’re writing life and your wonderful stories. I look forward to reading “Taming Julia”.

Q: Where can readers find you and connect with you online?

Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodieAWolfe

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Purchase Links for Taming Julia:

https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Julia-Jodie-Wolfe-ebook/dp/B083L8MDD5/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=taming+julia&qid=1578503989&sr=8-1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/taming-julia-jodie-wolfe/1136004491?ean=9781522302711

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Be sure to get your copy of “Taming Julia” on February 14th. I will be reading it soon and will post a book review here on my blog.