Looking Out The Window: Jennifer Slattery Discusses Her New Book, Healing Love

A Warm Welcome to Jennifer Slattery

Jennifer's here to introduce new book, Healing Love. Women's fiction with a strong romantic thread, it's set in Southern California and El Salvador

First, tell us a little about yourself, Jennifer.

I live in Nebraska, in a relatively small town outside of Omaha. We love it here—the four seasons, the laid back lifestyle (largely), close access to the city. Plus we’ve got some really fun coffee shops!

Many writers loved to read as children. Were you an avid reader as a child? If so, what did you read?

I’m pretty sure I was, but I can’t remember really what I read. I had an obsession with Shakespeare for a while, and I loved more literary works. Later. I especially loved discussing themes and such with my husband, who wasn’t quite as amused with the topic. Such a patient man! Haha!

Why do you write?

First, it’s who I am. It’s what I enjoy, almost more than anything else. It’s like God created my brain for story and my fingers to type. Haha! When a thought, idea, whatever, goes through my brain, I often have a strong desire to share it. I’m not sure why that is, but if you’ve seen my FB feed, you understand what I mean. I’ve been told I’m an include, so that may be part of it.

The second answer to your question is, I want to glorify Christ and see others experience the freedom He offers. I hope and pray that absolutely everything I write, whether it’s a fun, goofy piece or a serious ten-point article, in some way brings Him glory and reveals a bit of who He is.

Tell us about your latest book.

How about if I share the back cover text?

Sounds good.

About Healing Love

A news anchor intern has it all planned out, and love isn't on the agenda.

Brooke Endress is on the cusp of her lifelong dream when her younger sister persuades her to chaperone a mission trip to El Salvador. Packing enough hand sanitizer and bug spray to single-handedly wipe out malaria, she embarks on what she hopes will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
But Brooke is blindsided by the desperation for hope and love she sees in the orphans’ eyes. And no less by the connection she feels with her handsome translator. As newfound passion blooms, Brooke wrestles with its implications for her career dreams.

Ubaldo Chavez, teacher and translator, knows the struggle that comes with generational poverty. But he found the way out – education – and is determined to help his students rise above.

When he agrees to translate for a mission team from the United States he expects to encounter a bunch of "missional tourists" full of empty promises. Yet an American news anchor defies his expectations, and he finds himself falling in love. But what does he have to offer someone with everything?

What inspired you to write this particular book?

The idea for this story came as I was flying home from a weeklong mission trip to El Salvador. At the time, all I had was a vague idea, but I knew the ending. Normally, that doesn’t happen. My stories usually start with a character that won’t leave me alone. I’ll know her struggle, her insecurities, her dreams, and soon, her arc. The plot points and endings usually evolve slowly.

What do you love about this book? And what do you hope readers will tell others about it?

Oh, there’s so much! First, I absolutely love Central America and the El Salvadoran culture, food, and people. I really hope I get a chance to go back, maybe even for a longer stay. I also really connect with and understand Brooke. To some, she seems selfish and … controlling, but she’s really just hurting. She grieved her parents, but didn’t realize some of the residual emotions that were left—like a fear of losing those she loves. This is the root of her need for control. Sometimes God brings us into uncomfortable situations to free us from that. Though she might not be aware of this, this is the journey Brooke is on.

In three words describe your style of writing.

Hm … I think I’ll let my readers answer this one. For fun, I posed this question on Facebook. Here’s what readers and reviewers had to say:

Sally Davidson: “Tender-hearted research.”

Deana Dick: “Graceful, compassionate, heartwarming.”

Then there’s my husband’s answer: “I’m not good at those kind of questions. If you have any golf or baseball questions, I can answer those. 6-4-3=2

I’m pretty sure that equation came from the sermon at church on Sunday.

Buy Links for Healing Love.

Amazon

Goodreads

Learn more about Jennifer at her Website

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