Some books have the potential to make your whole year. Over the summer, as an escape from the oppressive Arizona heat, I headed into a Barnes & Noble to browse the fiction section. When I came across a historical romance novel set in Ireland and written by a local author & autographed, I thought, Oh yes, I need this. To be honest, I rarely impulse buy.

Well, I impulse bought.

Then I posted a picture of my find on Instagram and about died of fangirldom when Jennifer Deibel, the author, commented on my post.

Fast forward several months, and I’ve been lucky enough to call Jen my friend. I’d love for you to meet her, too, and hear about her NEW Irish romance, The Lady of Galway Manor, which will be releasing in February 2022!

Hi Jen! What was your inspiration for The Lady of Galway Manor?

I love the legend of the Claddagh ring, and the tensions between England and Ireland are always coloring things, even today. And I began to wonder what it might be like if a British woman was apprenticed to an Irishman in the jewelry shop. And the story idea grew from there.

Which character was the most fun to write?

I really love all of them, but I think Seamus—the hero’s father—was my favorite to write. He’s quirky and funny, loves his tea, and is wise beyond his station.

How have you incorporated favorite Irish locations, traditions, or experiences into the book?

Oh yes!! We lived in the Galway area for four years, so I tried to work in some of my favorite places. Some, like the Claddagh area of the city, are the same. Others, like the fish and chip shop, have been changed a little to protect the innocent 😉 and allow me a little more creative license. The jewelry shop itself was also a huge inspiration and still exists and is in business today. But, I changed the name and location in town slightly, again, so I could have a little more creative freedom within the story.

Thanks for stopping by to meet one of my favorite people! I hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse into her writing process and hearing a bit about her own experiences living in Ireland.

If this sounds like a book you’d love to read or gift, you’re in luck! At the time of writing, Baker Book House is offering 30% off The Lady of Galway Manor and 40% off A Dance in Donegal as well as free shipping.

P.S. – If you haven’t heard, Jen and I and a few of our friends are doing a giveaway for book lovers, including a historical romance novel, YA fantasy, middle grade fiction, contemporary romance and bookish goodies! It ends December 4, 2021, so be sure to enter ASAP 🙂

Click here to throw your name in the hat.

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