Jen Gilroy's Blog, page 2

Making a book cover & why I have “cover love” for “The Hero Next Door”

Earlier this week, I shared the gorgeous cover for my next Jen Gilroy book, The Hero Next Door (first in my Strawberry Pond miniseries for Harlequin Heartwarming), with newsletter subscribers.

This new cover might be my favourite of my Harlequin books so far.

However, what I didn’t share in my newsletter was how my Harlequin covers are made.

What’s The Hero Next Door about? 

It’s a sweet, small town, opposites attract, fish-out-of-water contemporary romance.

When Josie, a New Hampshire farmer, meets Heath, the city guy who moves in next door, sparks soon fly.

With small-town shenanigans, an escapee dairy cow, a rescue dog named Cookie, a multi-generational family and more, the cover designer needed to capture the “feel” of the story in one, definitive image.

The “Art Fact Sheet”

For Harlequin authors, every cover design begins with what’s called an “Art Fact Sheet” (AFS).

Via the AFS, I note aspects of the book’s setting—in The Hero Next Door small town, rural and New Hampshire all feature.

I describe (with photos) what I imagine the main characters look like and their clothing style.

I summarize key scenes, and the fears and false beliefs the romantic leads must overcome to earn their happily-ever-after.

I also summarize the plot, the action propelling the story forward from beginning to end.

From “facts” to cover

Once I complete the AFS, the art department has the information they need to, in consultation with Harlequin’s editorial and marketing teams, develop a cover.

Unlike self-published authors, those, like me, who publish through a publisher, don’t typically have much say in cover design.

However, with many years of experience, Harlequin knows what designs work for paperback and e-books, how a cover fits with other books being published and what appeals to their readers.

If, in the end, I spot something in the cover that’s truly at odds with the book, it’s corrected. However, publication is a team effort, and my job is to write the best story I can.

Why do I have cover love for “The Hero Next Door”?

Although Harlequin’s art team worked from the AFS and haven’t read my book in its entirety, the cover for “The Hero Next Door” nevertheless captures the warmth and emotional depth readers say characterizes my writing.

The hero and heroine, Heath and Josie, look much as I envisage them, as does Cookie, Heath’s adorable rescue dog.

The cover also has a sweet, romantic and contemporary rural feel that tells readers exactly what to expect from the story.

Find out more & pre-order The Hero Next Door (out September 30, 2025) in large-print paperback or e-book here.

As the saying goes, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but sometimes I do. You too?

If you don’t already subscribe to my reader newsletter, sign up on my website here.

My monthly mailing is the best way to keep up with my life and writing, and make sure you don’t miss a release, sale or other news.

A marvelous March mini break

Last week, I left Tech Guy and Floppy Ears at home to spend a four-day weekend with my dear sister-cousin. She had a work conference in downtown Toronto, Canada and invited me to join her.

While she was in daytime meetings, I enjoyed a lovely hotel, savoured city life (skyscrapers, oh my!), and had some much-needed rest and relaxation.

In the evenings, we caught up on our lives and families in ways we can’t as readily do via email, text or phone and video calls.

Refilling my creative well

It was a treat to meander and discover some hidden Toronto gems.

I enjoyed visiting The Toronto Reference Library, including a gallery showcasing vintage postcards from the library’s collection.

The exhibit included cards like the leather one shown to the right, “Greetings from Toronto: Canada, The Maple Leaf Forever,” circa 1905.

Other highlights were great bookshops, and a café with a European feel where I lingered and people-watched.

Stress, health and well-being

Away from my regular routine, I walked more, slept better and felt as if I’d done a ‘mental spring cleaning.’

Thanks to a change of scene and staying offline and away from social media, I returned home significantly less stressed in both mind and body.

Connections old and new

Family ties are precious, and in-person time with my sister-cousin was good for my soul. Her friendship nurtures me, and I value her wise advice and a sense of humour similar to mine.

While in Toronto, I also had the joy of meeting Beth Dranoff, a friend and “writer of things fantastical” I previously only knew online.

Although there’s much that can be toxic about our digital world, as an author it’s helped me forge important professional connections. I’m blessed that some of those have become true meetings of minds and could have chatted with Beth for much longer than I did.

Recharging, refreshing, renewing…and reading

Although I was only away from home for four days/three nights, it was as beneficial as many longer vacations.

My usually busy mind had a rest, allowing me to recharge, refresh and renew.

I also had uninterrupted reading time which nowadays is rare.

A marvelous March mini break

After what’s felt like a very long and dreary winter, this short break was exactly what I needed.

A bonus? Following the adage of “Live the Story You Want to Tell,” I even got some new book ideas.

 

 

Celebrating my overflowing TBR pile ~ Can you relate?

My name is Jen, and I have too many books, physical and electronic, in my TBR (to be read) pile!

That’s partly because as an author I read widely to learn, improve my writing craft, research topics I’m writing about and keep up-to-date with what’s popular in different kinds of fiction.

However, I always have too many books I want to read because I’m a booklover and have been since childhood.

My devotion to reading means I often “fit in a few pages” when brushing my teeth or on hold for a call centre.

Last weekend, when I was tidying a bookshelf, Tech Guy asked me how many of my books I’d read again, and how many titles I had on my TBR list.

As any bookish person knows, his first question, how many of my books I’d re-read, is beside the point! Books are like good friends. I may not see them for years, but they’re always there when I need them.

However, Tech Guy’s second question, how many books are in my TBR pile, made me think.

While I’m not about to admit to the number (I stopped counting once I got to a hundred), I realized that I’ll reach the end of my life with still many more books to read.

Is that a bad thing?

Not to me! I love getting lost in stories and would choose reading over most other leisure-time activities.

While waiting in a grocery store line recently, I noted that the teenager serving customers wore a book-themed sweatshirt, and a book was propped on a shelf behind her—open to read in quiet moments.

When I reached the checkout, we talked about books while she scanned my purchases.

She said she never worries about running out of books because along with old ones to discover, new ones are always being published!

Like my friend Susanna Bavin (who also writes as Maisie Thomas and Polly Heron) said to me on Twitter (now X) in 2014, a comment I printed out to save: “Think of TBR pile as bibliographic pet. Enjoy it. Be happy, not stress. TBR does essential job. You’ll never run out of reading.”

So, there’s your answer, Tech Guy.

My name is Jen, and I’m celebrating having a lifetime of books in my TBR pile!

I hope you’ll choose to add some of my books to your own TBR pile. I have two new releases in 2025, both in September:

The Hero Next Door as Jen Gilroy from Harlequin Heartwarming (first in a new sweet, small-town contemporary romance miniseries set in Strawberry Pond, New Hampshire).

The Teacher Evacuees as Rose Warner (first in a new WW2 saga/historical women’s fiction series set on the British home front).

The best-laid Valentine’s plans…What could go wrong?

Although I write romance, I’m more about romancing the everyday than going all out for Valentine’s.

However, since a Covid Christmas and New Year meant we couldn’t spend the holiday season at our lake house, Tech Guy and I were looking forward to going to that special place for a long Valentine’s Day weekend.

Walks in the snowy woods. Cozy times in front of the fire. Romantic dinners for two overlooking the frozen lake.

What could go wrong?

Intermittent freezing in the septic system means we currently have no functioning indoor plumbing there.

Instead of romantic togetherness, thawing the pipe ‘blockage’ will necessitate time, effort and mess.

And although there’s an outhouse, I’m not keen to use it in February in Canada!

So, Valentine’s Day plan B.

Take Floppy Ears to dog day care and leave our small town to spend a romantic Saturday in the city.

Walk along streets rich in Canadian history. Enjoy a cozy lunch in an intimate bistro. Hold hands overlooking another frozen waterway.

What could go wrong?

As I write this blog post, two major winter storms in rapid succession are forecast to hit my part of Canada over the next few days.

With public safety warnings to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare emergency kits, it’s likely none of us will be going anywhere, anytime soon.

Valentine’s Day plan C.

Always resourceful, Tech Guy has picked up a prepared meal from our favourite Italian restaurant near the office where he currently works one day a week.

The food is in the freezer, and we’ll reheat it to celebrate Valentine’s Day on either February 14th or the weekend.

This plan assumes we’ll still have electricity, but I’m hoping for the best while also preparing for the worst.

The soft glow cast by my great-grandmother’s oil lamp could be romantic, right?

Life happens

In almost twenty-nine years of marriage, I’ve become pragmatic. There are lots of days and ways to celebrate love and most don’t involve hearts, flowers and carefully planned moments.

As for my fictional characters, true and enduring romance is about learning to navigate life’s storms both literal and metaphorical.

No matter how you spend it, Happy Valentine’s Day!

I hope it brings love, comfort and kindness to you and yours.

And if things don’t go as planned?

Laughter—and in my case, the leftover chocolate I was too unwell to eat at Christmas—help!

Some of my favourite things

Following the holiday season, January seems like the longest and dreariest month of the year to me.

However, in the past few weeks, focusing on small joys close to home has been cheering.

The Sound of Music was my late mother’s favourite musical, and we often watched the iconic 1965 film together.

Given my recent prolonged bout of Covid, “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” from that playlist feels apt, but I’m instead looking to “My Favourite Things” for a morale boost.

To help you get to know me better, and except for obvious things like family and friends, here are five other “favourites.”

Favourite colour: Pink. Soothing, nurturing and calm, pink is also associated with romance so it’s fitting for a romance author. From teacups to socks, sweaters and everything in between, rosy hues feature prominently in my life.

Favourite ice cream flavour: Chocolate chip or, when I’m visiting my hometown of Winnipeg, Canada, a Bridge Drive-In (BDI) special “Twist cone” (soft serve chocolate and vanilla ice cream “twisted” together).

Favourite holiday: UK Mothering Sunday. While North American Mother’s Day in May is bittersweet and a poignant reminder of losing my own mom too soon, British Mother’s Day in March celebrates my joy in becoming a mum to English Rose.

Favourite month: September because it feels like a fresh start. I also love sapphire, the official September birthstone. Although not my birth month (that’s July), my engagement ring from Tech Guy is a beautiful sapphire.

Favourite season: Spring in England, when new blooms seem to pop out weekly, and Fall (autumn) in Canada when trees are draped in vibrant red, orange and yellow leaves.

Does remembering favourite things bring you cheer?

If, like me, you now have the song “My Favorite Things” running through your head, watch and listen to this clip from the movie on YouTube here.

A very Covid new year: Choosing to ‘rewind’ on 2025

Happy New Year…or not! As those who follow my author Facebook page know, I haven’t had the best start to 2025.

A very Covid new year

I rang in the new year with Covid and spent most of the holiday season either unwell myself or caring for sick family.

I’m behind with writing work and had to ask for an extension on a book due in March.

I’m also, as with my first Covid bout in 2023, experiencing debilitating migraines.

While ill, I lost part of an old tooth filling so am now waiting for a dental appointment to have it repaired.

I’m dealing with various other issues too, and in ways large and small, life feels like more of an uphill battle than usual.

Add in January snow, cold and grey skies, it’s easy to feel gloomy.

However, I’m trying to make the best of things and, as my late mom would have said, count my many blessings.

Our season of Covid meant English Rose couldn’t return to university when planned so had more time at home. These days, having my “nest full” is both rare and precious, and I savoured it.

I also appreciate the friends who have helped with grocery shopping (“paying it forward” to quote one), shared meals and sent caring and supportive messages.

And as natural disasters, war and other unsettling events ravage various parts of the world, including the ongoing devastation of wildfires in California, I’m grateful for my safe and cozy home. In a place that anchors me in family, memories and security, my heart goes out to those suffering immense loss, uncertainty and grief.

Choosing to rewind

Over two weeks in, I’ve decided to press a metaphorical rewind button and, for a fresh start, relaunch 2025 in writing and life.

I’m looking forward to celebrating a belated Christmas with friends who were away over the holidays.

I’m excited about the books I’m releasing this year:

As Jen Gilroy, The Hero Next Door from Harlequin Heartwarming, first in a new Strawberry Pond sweet romance miniseries set in rural and small-town New Hampshire. It’s already available for pre-order so find out more here .As Rose Warner, The Teacher Evacuees, my WWII women’s fiction novel from British publisher Canelo.As Jen Gilroy, updated e-versions of my two previously-published Wishing Tree books.

I’m happy to have returned to ballet and Zumba classes because exercise helps with both my mental and physical health.

And although I haven’t yet chosen my word to live by for 2025, ideas are percolating.

In the meantime, I’m holding to “Hope,” one of my previous annual words, and an acronym a reader on social media this week commented means “hold on, pain ends.”

That’s wisdom and inspiration no matter where and how I find myself.

My happy holiday season bucket list

It’s December and although part of me doesn’t know where 2024 has gone (shouldn’t it still be early September?!), we’re now in the midst of what for many is the holiday season.

After a busy year in life and writing, I’m set for a slower-paced December complete with a “happy holiday season bucket list” to help make the next few weeks merry and bright.

What are some of the things I’m planning to do?

Make my mother’s chocolate chip cookies

These childhood favourite “drop” cookies are a special treat, as valued for their loving memories as yummy taste.

When I make them, I feel my late mom by my side. And as the sweet scent of baking fills my home, it’s like a warm, motherly hug.

Although my mom’s recipe is a family secret, find a similar one (with imperial and metric measurements) here.

Enjoy The Nutcracker ballet

As a ballet fan, The Nutcracker, the story of a young girl who receives a nutcracker toy as a Christmas Eve present and embarks on a magical adventure, is a long-time seasonal favourite.

This year, I’m going to Ottawa, the nearest city, to see a local performing company stage this festive dance treat.

Take a snowy woodland walk 

We’ve just had the first snowfall of the season here in Eastern Ontario, Canada and my world is a winter wonderland.

With a gorgeous park and forest trails nearby, it’s a joy to bundle up in my parka, woolly hat, boots and mittens and take Floppy Ears for a Sunday afternoon walk.

Another joy is returning home to a cozy house for popcorn and hot cocoa.

Watch movies

With the holiday season comes holiday films.

I’ve already watched “Hot Frosty” currently on Netflix in North America. Since many outdoor scenes were filmed near me in Brockville, Ontario, Canada it was fun to spot familiar landmarks.

Intrigued? Watch a YouTube piece about “Hot Frosty” in Brockville here.

On a chilly weekend, I’m also looking forward to watching a new-to-me Audrey Hepburn box set.

Read!

With multiple tight writing deadlines recently, my reading time has been limited.

Since I have a towering paperback and digital to-be-read list, I’m spoiled for choice but this month I’m reading for pleasure, not writing work, and lots of seasonal, holiday stories feature.

Catch up with family and friends

Especially at this time of year, I’m grateful for the family and friends who make my life better.

And those connections with loved ones near and far either electronically or in person, make the festive season bright.

No matter what you celebrate, I hope it’s a happy, cozy time filled with people and things you love.

As usual, I’m taking a blogging break for the rest of the year returning in January 2025. 

Happy Holidays! 

 

Sharing the power of a smile

I’ve been looking at old family photos and it’s fun to see how certain characteristics continue through generations.

From noses (unfortunately for me!) to height, ear shape and even gestures, I see many similarities between late relatives and myself and English Rose.

For me, though, one of the most special links with those who’ve gone before is a smile.

My paternal grandmother had a beautiful smile as did her daughter, my dear aunt.

When English Rose smiled at me for the first time, glimpsing a bit of that special, familiar smile lighting up her baby face and blue eyes is still a cherished memory.

At any time, a friendly smile makes life better but now especially, when our world is so troubled and frightening, its power is even greater.

Whether from a friend, neighbour, store staff or dog, a warm smile makes me hopeful and gives me happiness, calm and connection.

Smiling also spreads joy and reminds me to appreciate simple pleasures.

Since I live in a small town, smiling is more frequent here than in a large city.

I don’t smile as freely or often in London, England, for instance, where despite campaigns to encourage it, smiling at strangers on public transport or elsewhere is more suspicious rarity than norm.

Still, in the right context, a smile costs nothing and when intended as a friendly gesture it can brighten both a day and a life.

Even though things seem grim, I’m focusing on smiles as an easy mood booster.

It’s why I have a print of the cover for A Family for the Rodeo Cowboy, part of my Montana Carters sweet romance series for Harlequin Heartwarming, displayed in my home office.

That joyous little girl makes me smile too!

Besides, the power of a smile may travel far beyond any one of us.

Like kindness, if you receive a friendly and generous smile, pass it on.

It doesn’t take much to make a positive difference, and we can all start with a simple but powerful smile.

And to my American readers…I wish you a happy (and smiley) Thanksgiving! 

A time for remembering service & sacrifice

Over the next few days, those of us in Canada, the UK, the United States and other countries mark Remembrance Sunday, Remembrance Day, Armistice Day and Veterans Day.

These commemorations emerged following the First World War, when the Armistice agreement was signed between Germany and the Allies on 11 November 1918.

Today, we remember and honour those who served and sacrificed in both world wars and other conflicts and indeed continue to serve in the military.

As Rose Warner, I’m currently writing a women’s historical fiction/saga series about teachers and their pupils evacuated from London to the British countryside at the start of WWII. As such, remembrance ceremonies now hold even more significance for me.

Researching these books has given me a greater appreciation of how in the 1940s ordinary people, women especially, contributed to the war effort in so many ways.

In Britain and allied countries, women served in all branches of the armed forces and in civilian organizations like the Women’s Land Army.

From working as cooks, in offices, as drivers, mechanics and nurses to radar operators, photographers, in agricultural work and as test pilots, they took on new roles and gained new independence.

Married women with children ‘made do’ and managed wartime life, often as single parents with husbands away in the armed forces.

From dealing with rationing to running homes and taking care of families, while often working in factories, on the railways and in other jobs ordinarily done by men, these women also forged new, more independent lives.

Although my Teacher Evacuees series is fictional, my characters are inspired by real teachers and a British government evacuation scheme to keep children safe from bombing.

These teachers tried to maintain educational standards in makeshift classrooms with few supplies, visited evacuated children in foster billets, communicated with anxious parents and bridged their pupils’ pre-war and rural lives.

Visiting London’s Imperial War Museum and The Home Front Museum in Llandudno, Wales this past summer were poignant reminders of wartime sacrifice.

War museums testify to the human toll of past and ongoing conflicts and, especially in troubled times, encourage each of us to do what we can to work together for peace.

As I wear my new poppy pin badge, I’m inspired by the resilience, hope, courage and sacrifice of those who came before us, including women who are often ‘unsung heroines.’

I’m also honouring and remembering those in my own family who served and sacrificed.

My wartime fiction 

As Rose Warner, the first book in my WW2 Teacher Evacuees series will be out in ebook and paperback in September 2025 from Canelo.

And if you’re an audiobook listener, The Sweetheart Locket (as Jen Gilroy), is available in audio from all e-tailers worldwide (cover to the left) and in a special audio CD edition for UK libraries (cover to the right).

The Sweetheart Locket is a dual timeline, WWII and contemporary women’s fiction novel with family secrets, romance and female wartime espionage.

Celebrating publication week for “A Rancher’s Return”

As some of you know from my October newsletter and social media, my latest book as Jen Gilroy, A Rancher’s Return from Harlequin Heartwarming, was published earlier this week.

It’s a sweet second chance contemporary western romance and although the fourth (and final) book in my Montana Carters miniseries it also stands alone.

A Rancher’s Return also marks two special milestones in my author career.

It’s my tenth published book (since 2017) and fifth Harlquin title.

Thanks to all of you for supporting my books and me and, in many cases, your friendship in writing and life.

Fun bookish facts

I wrote A Rancher’s Return during my lingering bout with Covid in 2023. Confined to home, my fictional world of the Tall Grass Ranch, small-town High Valley, Montana and the multi-generational Carter family were a much-needed escape.

The heroine, Molly Carter, is the family’s youngest sibling and only girl. She’s a pediatric nurse and her career is a loving tribute to that also followed by my late mother.

A Rancher’s Return includes a special double wedding. Since I got married twenty-eight years ago, it was fun to research current wedding trends, including those for more “mature” brides.

My favourite line from the book is also one of its overarching themes and guides my own life: “Changing your mind doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It means you’ve grown and changed like we all do.”

Since A Rancher’s Return takes place between late-October until just before Christmas, I included two favourite country Christmas songs in the story as part of a holiday tree lighting scene: Luke Bryan’s rendition of “Run Run Rudloph” and Thomas Rhett, “Christmas in the Country.”

Advance reviews and celebrating publication week

I’m delighted and grateful that so far advance reviews for A Rancher’s Return are positive.

“Sweet, sweet story.” ~ Jo/Ruth Reads

“Despite not reading previous books…I was able to enjoy this uplifting story about the bonds of friendship, family and community as a standalone.” ~The Literate Leprechaun

Although I’m anxious when sending each new book out into the world, it’s also a time to celebrate my “book baby.”

There’s always ice cream and a silver charm or other small piece of jewelry, although I haven’t yet chosen one to mark A Rancher’s Return.

But more than anything, I have a quiet sense of achievement and pride in writing another book to the best of my ability and continuing to grow my author career…word by word, day by day, book by book and reader by reader.

Want to read A Rancher’s Return?

Home is…Where their hearts never left.

A Rancher’s Return is available in large-print paperback and ebook from Amazon and most other online retailers here and/or request it from your library.

UK readers: A Rancher’s Return is available for Kindle on Amazon UK here.

From my heart and home to you, happy reading!

I’m grateful and honoured if you choose to pick up A Rancher’s Return and spend time in my story world.