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Author Interview,  Giveaway,  Hope-filled Fiction

Author Interview with Janine Rosche & a Giveaway

August 25, 2021 /

By Deena Adams

I’m thrilled to host Inspirational Romance author, Janine Rosche, on the blog this week. Although I haven’t met Janine in person yet (which will be rectified in about two weeks!), I feel like I know her through interaction on social media. She’s outgoing, funny, kind-hearted and an all around wonderful lady. I hope you enjoy the interview.

Janine has offered a paperback copy of her just released, Aspen Crossroads, as a giveaway. Be sure to comment on this post by August 31 for a chance to win. (US residents over 18 only)

Hi, Janine. Welcome to the blog! Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

Throughout my life, I’ve moved sixteen times and lived in eight different states, yet I call Ohio my home. My husband and I will be celebrating our twentieth anniversary next year. Together, we have four children and two stinkin’ adorable Labradors. In addition to writing, I teach college courses in human development and family science. 

Sounds like a busy and fulfilling life. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Astronaut, actress, marine biologist, writer, pediatrician, nurse, Debbie Gibson… 

LOL. If you didn’t write, what would you do as a career?

Since Debbie Gibson is taken, I’d get my PhD in Human Development and Family Relations and teach college full-time.

I’m sure that would be fulfilling as well. Since you have other life obligations, how many hours a day do you spend writing?

When I’m in my groove, I write about four hours a day.

How long, on average, does it take you to write a book?

It takes me about eight weeks to write a solid first draft, then another eight to revise it and clean it up.

Seems like you’ve got a good schedule going. How and when did you start writing?

Unofficially, I’ve been writing romantic dramedy in my head since I was in kindergarten, although my teachers, friends, and family called it daydreaming. I began a serious pursuit of writing in 2016.

Wow, you’ve accomplished a lot in the past five years. Why did you decide to write romance novels? What unique challenges does writing a romance present? 

I’ve ALWAYS seen life in terms of relationships. As I teach in my courses, our lives are a collage of our interactions with the people, places, and circumstances we encounter. A lot of those bring stress, pain, and struggle. 

But romance? When done right, it can bring joy, hope, and comfort. In fact, my biggest challenge in writing romance is not making the hero and heroine too reliant and co-dependent in their relationship. That was particularly difficult in Aspen Crossroads because Haven and Jace have an immediate connection, and they are a team almost from the start. They could easily fall into each other’s arms and ignore the rest of the world, but nay nay. I won’t let them!

Yes, relationships are at the center of everything, right? Are any of your stories inspired by true events or personal history?

My Madison River Romance series arose from the 1959 Hebgen Lake Earthquake. The overarching question in that series is “Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?” It’s a question I’ve struggled with, especially when I’ve visited the Madison River Canyon and seen the aftermath of that tragedy. But I’ve also seen how the people of West Yellowstone came together to help each other. It was that spirit that inspired my novels.

I think most people wrestle with that question at some point. How do you incorporate Christ and hope into your writing?

Each of my stories pulls from my own struggles with faith. As my characters process events, they face these same questions. Christ speaks to both them and me in those scenes through Scripture. And his words never fail to bring hope to the story in the end. Amen?

Amen! Congratulations on your latest novel, ASPEN CROSSROADS, which just released yesterday! What did God teach you through writing it ?

Aspen Crossroads has a cast of characters that have been victimized by others, and yet, they’ve survived. While I’ve never experienced anything like my characters, I have certainly known hurt. Through this book, God showed me that I am worth more than my past mistakes and the opinions of others.

What a great lesson, and so true! What do you hope your readers take away from the book?

I hope they’ll continue to look around them to see those who haven’t always had it easy, to listen to them, and to welcome them.

I’ll give another hearty amen. Which character in ASPEN CROSSROADS was easiest for you to write and why? Which character presented the biggest challenge?

As a former counselor, my heroine, Haven, needs to have the right advice at the right time for others, while being unable to accept the advice for herself. I feel like that’s the story of my life! That made her quite easy for me to write. Meanwhile, Sonny is a survivor of human trafficking. She has this inherent strength and resilience that I admire so much. She was challenging to write because those are traits I haven’t always had myself.

What was the hardest scene to write?

Ugh. There’s a short flashback scene where Jace is a child, sleeping alongside his mother in the back of their car. It’s winter, and they’re freezing. While he’s too young to understand, I knew that his mother would do anything to keep him safe after that night—even prostitution. Sadly, I think this is a story that is far too common in the real world.

I’m afraid you’re right about that. Tell us what’s next from you. 

I’m part of a novella collection with Cara Putman, Teresa Tysinger, and Pepper Basham releasing October 1 called Christmas in Mistletoe Square. My story pays homage to two of my favorite movies, Babes in Toyland and You’ve Got Mail. It’s delightful!

Ooh, that sounds fabulous! Besides posting comments on your website, how can your readers and fans support you? 

Join my reader group on Facebook where most of my interaction happens—www.facebook.com/groups/janinerosche

Any last words for your readers?

Share your life with me! This writing gig can be quite solitary, and I love getting to know my readers and supporting them right back!

Thanks so much for the interview, Janine. It was fun getting to know more about you and your writing!

Join the Conversation. Do you enjoy stories that focus on relationships? Are you an inspirational romance fan? What do you love most about them?

Be sure to comment by August 31 for a chance to win a copy of Janine’s new book, Aspen Crossroads! (US residents over age 18 only)

Author Interview with Janine Rosche & a Giveaway.

Aspen Crossroads by Janine Rosche

Click the book cover for purchase link

To protect those most vulnerable, Haven Haviland must trust her heart–and her regrets–to a mysterious newcomer in this moving contemporary romance.

Few in the community of Whisper Canyon have actually met Jace Daring, a handsome recluse who lives at Aspen Crossroads, the farm at the edge of town. But that doesn’t stop the rumors about the multiple women who live with him. He must protect the truth–that his farm-to-table restaurant will provide new livelihoods for women rescued from human trafficking–or he risks the safety and futures of those relying on him. But he can’t do it alone.

Haven Haviland has always been everyone’s safe place to fall until one mistake closes her counseling practice and leaves her open to the town’s gossip. Trusting men has gotten her in trouble before. However, accepting Jace’s job offer to mentor the rescued women seems like the perfect way to right her wrongs.

When the mayor’s campaign to clean up Whisper Canyon targets Aspen Crossroads, the restaurant comes under fire, dangers from the women’s pasts are awakened, and Haven’s sins are exposed for all to see. Jace would sacrifice himself to save Haven and the women under his care, but his efforts might not be enough. And in the end, it might not be the women most in need of saving after all.

Prone to wander, Janine Rosche finds as much comfort on the open road as she does at home. This longing to chase adventure, behold splendor, and experience redemption is woven into her Madison River Romance and Whisper Canyon Romance series.

When she isn’t writing or traveling, she teaches family life education courses to college students, takes too many pictures of her sleeping dogs, and embarrasses her four children and husband with boy band serenades. 

Learn more online at janinerosche.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Please share this interview on social media to help spread the word about Janine’s new release!

If you missed last week’s interview with Pamela Desmond Wright, find it here.

As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and is a multi-award-winning writer, an active ACFW member, and ACFW Virginia president. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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63 Comments

  • Deena Adams
    September 1, 2021 at 9:36 am

    Congratulations to Rachel! You’re the winner of Janine’s book. Check your email and then send me your mailing address so we can get your book to you.

    Thanks for reading and joining the conversation, everyone! I hope you’ll continue to enjoy future interviews, meet new authors, and comment for more chances to win hope-filled novels!

    • Maryann
      August 31, 2021 at 6:24 pm

      Congratulations on your new release Janine. I enjoy reading inspirational romance stories. I do love seeing how new relationships develop. The growth, trust and even humor of the characters keeps me turning the pages!

      • Deena Adams
        August 31, 2021 at 7:11 pm

        Thanks so much for stopping by, Maryann! I love the developing relationships of fiction characters too. Especially when they’re so true to life. Have a great week!

  • Katie Andersen
    August 29, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    Congratulations Janine! I can’t wait to read this newest book of yours! I love books that focus on relationships and I feel sucked in and right there with them, feeling what they are feeling. This was a fun interview!

  • Megan
    August 29, 2021 at 11:19 am

    Great interview, thanks for the chance to win! This is why I enjoy reading Christian Fiction so much, I get to experience different types of people and situations and learn things I may not have ever learned any other way. Its helped me have a little more compassion for people who I don’t always agree with, realizing there’s always more to their story.

    • Deena Adams
      August 29, 2021 at 12:01 pm

      Hi Megan. There are so many reasons to love Christian Fiction aren’t there?! We’re blessed with some great authors who produce wonderful stories for us, including Janine. Thanks for reading and commenting!

  • Stacy T. Simmons
    August 29, 2021 at 10:49 am

    Congratulations, Janine, on your new release. I’m looking forward to reading it.

    What a fun interview, I really enjoyed it.

    Have a great time in a couple of weeks, Janine is a fun and precious lady!

    Blessings!♡

  • Cherie J
    August 29, 2021 at 12:06 am

    Congrats on your release! I enjoyed the interview. I love Babes in Toyland. I will have to keep an eye out for Christmas in Mistletoe Square in October.

  • Deena Adams
    August 28, 2021 at 1:37 pm

    Hey everyone. Janine let me know earlier today that she tried to comment on this post and wasn’t able to log on. Some kind of WordPress problem. She said she’d keep trying. Just wanted you all to know she wasn’t intentionally ignoring you!

  • Danielle
    August 28, 2021 at 11:45 am

    Such a great interview!!! This book sounds beautiful and amazing and it is now at the top of my list!

  • Diana
    August 28, 2021 at 10:27 am

    I’ve never read a book by Janine, but coincidentally was going thru her titles on Amazon Fri. Some interesting sounding books, to be sure! I love inspirational stories about relationships bc many times they have helped me when I’m going thru issues in my own life! I’m a survivor of child abuse, thanks to Jesus! Thank you for the interview & giveaway opportunity! I’d love to read this book!

    I read about this giveaway on Avid Readers of Christian fiction.

    • Deena Adams
      August 28, 2021 at 10:33 am

      Hi Diana. Praise Jesus He rescued you. I’m so sorry for all you had to endure in your childhood. I agree about books ministering to us in our pain. I hope Janine’s stories will be just what you need. Thanks so much for reading and joining the conversation.

      • Diana
        August 28, 2021 at 10:42 am

        Thank you so much, Deena. It was terribly hard at the time, but I chose to let it make me a better person and not a bitter one. It was an awful 9 yrs of my life, but Jesus has used it for His glory!

        • Deena Adams
          August 28, 2021 at 10:45 am

          What a great attitude. In the novel I’m writing and seeking to get published, the main character is an abuse survivor. I don’t get into any details in the story about it but it definitely affects her life. If you’d be interested in doing a beta read on it let me know.

          • Diana
            August 28, 2021 at 11:01 am

            Yes, Deena! Most definitely! I am a beta reader/reviewer for multiple Christian fiction authors. If I don’t have time to beta read (bc I’m booked up), I’ll definitely read & review it when it’s published! Shoot me an email & keep me posted. Prayers for publication!

    • Janine Rosche
      August 29, 2021 at 4:33 pm

      Oh, Diana, I’m sorry for your painful childhood. I pray your strength and resilience is evident to all those around you. Just a note, this book does include vague details about child abuse. My debut novel, This Wandering Heart, deals more heavily with child and domestic abuse–and that was before I’d made the decision to include sensitivity warnings at the start of my books.

  • Carrie walker
    August 28, 2021 at 9:56 am

    Love Janine’s books and so excited for this new one. She’s such a fun and wonderful person and it shines through in her writing. Personally I think she could rock Debbie Gibson, but so glad she chose to write!

  • Stephanie
    August 28, 2021 at 9:47 am

    I’ve read her first book and really loved the plot and characters. I don’t regularly read contemporary romance but all her stories (including this one) sound so compelling. And I know she’ll insert some laugh out loud humor in there as well.

    • Deena Adams
      August 28, 2021 at 10:00 am

      Thanks for reading and commenting, Stephanie! Romance is not my first choice either but I read Wildflower Road and really enjoyed it. I appreciate Janine’s addition of gritty real-life issues in her stories, and yes, the humor too. I need to catch up on reading her others.

  • Amy Walsh
    August 28, 2021 at 9:12 am

    Wow! What an awesome plotline! Janine, you sound like an amazing person! I just ordered Aspen Crossroads and I will give a review when I am done. (Might take me a little while because I am back to teaching next week!) Praying your writing career will be blessed with many fans that draw closer to Jesus through your writing!

  • Teresa+Moyer
    August 27, 2021 at 3:05 am

    I loved the term romantic dramedy. It made me smile! Great interview of another new to me author.