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Author Interview,  Giveaway,  Hope-filled Fiction

Interview with Historical Romance Author Jenelle Hovde & a Giveaway

July 8, 2026 / 45 Comments

Please help me welcome Historical Romance Author Jenelle Hovde back to the blog this week! Jenelle is sharing about her new release, The Light of Stars, and is offering a copy as a giveaway.

Be sure to comment below by July 14 for a chance to win! (US winner will receive a paperback; eBook if the winner is international)

Welcome back to the Hope-Filled Fiction blog, Jenelle! Let’s go back to when you were a child. Tell us what you wanted to be when you grew up.

I started writing books and illustrating as young as age seven! The desire never fully left me.

That’s amazing! What do you enjoy most about being a writer? 

I love the ability to live in many wonderful worlds! Creating is such a joy.

Do you have any pets? Do they find their way into any of your stories? 

I have a black cat named Shadow and a tuxedo cat named Annabelle. They have made appearances in my Whistle Stop Cafe series with Guideposts.

I’m sure readers love that! What genre do you write and what inspired you to write that particular genre? 

I write biblical era fiction and historical romances set within the Regency era. I’ve always loved reading these genres.

That must require lots of research. How do you tackle that?

I prefer the old-fashioned way. AI often gets data wrong and hallucinates. Google can touch only the surface if you don’t know how to hunt for articles. My preferences include books and old documents related to the era I’m writing about. I adore archeology and history sites, keeping subscriptions on a yearly basis.

Sounds like you have a solid process that works for you. What is the setting of your current novel? Is it a real location or fictional? Tell us about it.

My novel is set within London and Calcutta, bridging two worlds via the East India Company. I loved researching Regency India and all the complexities of the era.

What did God teach you through the writing of The Light of Stars?

The Light of Stars so deeply touched me regarding how God views us. He gives us worth—not society. He can take any situation and bring beauty and growth from it.

Amen! What do you hope your readers take away from The Light of Stars? 

God sees you. He values and loves you. He has a good plan for your life even when circumstances seem beyond our control.

I love that. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones? 

My husband and my author assistant read my reviews. They pull the helpful critiques and praise so I can continue to improve and keep what is working well. Bad reviews are simply opinions. What one woman claims a masterpiece, another woman finds less compelling. I’d advise writers to grow, take life with a touch of humor, and keep creating no matter what.

Great advice! What was the best money you ever spent as a writer? 

I hired an author assistant. She is amazing and has taught me so much about the industry! 

That’s wonderful. I’m sure that frees you up to focus more on your writing. With that in mind, how long, on average, does it take you to write a book? 

It takes three to six months, schedule depending. I also illustrate and homeschool three teenagers. My days are full.

Wow, three to six months is fast, at least to me. Good for you! Who is your favorite Christian Fiction author?

I adore Michelle Griep, Laura Frantz, Tessa Afshar, and Connilyn Cossette.

Those are four amazing writers. What are you reading right now? 

I’m rereading Laura’s gorgeous colonials!

What’s next from you? 

I have another regency novel releasing next Summer. It involves Cornwall smuggling, a shy woman thrust into fame as an opera singer, and the man who can’t forget her voice even if their families remain enemies. Think Little Mermaid meets Romeo and Juliet.

Sounds great, Jenelle. I pray God will continue to bless you as you write stories for His glory.

Visit the #HopeFilledFiction blog and comment on Jenelle Hovde’s interview by 7/14 for a chance to win her new #regencyromance, The Light of Stars! #giveaway

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Join the conversation. Have you read any of Jenelle’s novels? Are you a Regency Romance reader? Does Jenelle’s book sound like a story you’d like to read? What questions or comments do you have for her?

Be sure to comment below by July 14 for a chance to win Jenelle’s new release! (International winner will receive a digital copy; US winner will receive a paperback)

The Light of Stars book cover

The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde

Click the book cover for the Amazon link

When Kitty Grenville’s grandfather announces her engagement to Sebastian Sinclair, she’s appalled. She barely remembers the boy she met once as a child—and now he’s a man tied to the East India Company, the very organization that tore Kitty and her brother from their mother and home in Hyderabad years ago. Unwilling to relinquish her dream of a love match or her passion for astronomy, Kitty is determined to refuse the marriage and find freedom in her own way. 

Sebastian Sinclair carries the weight of duty and regret. To atone for past sins, he complies with his grandfather’s orders to return to England, fulfill a long-standing betrothal, and defend the maligned East India Company before Parliament. Though Kitty makes her disinterest clear, Sebastian is drawn to her intellect and spirit. 

As Kitty navigates her first London season, her opinion of Sebastian begins to shift, especially when he shields her from scandal. When he’s abruptly called back to India, Kitty stuns everyone by marrying him and going with him, hoping to escape her grandfather’s control—and to find her mother. 

But the challenges that await in India are greater than imagined. Together, Kitty and Sebastian must confront the legacy of family and empire and discover if a marriage born of obligation can grow into a love strong enough to endure. 

Jenelle Hovde, an accomplished illustrator, author, pastor’s wife, and homeschooling mother, ventured off the beaten path when she transitioned from her career as a doctor of audiology to pursue her passion for writing. While her nine novels span different eras—from the ancient world to World War II—her favorite genre is sweet Regency romance that enchants readers with tales of love and intrigue set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century England. 

Drawing inspiration from timeless treasures found in antique stores, Jenelle pens historical romance novels that captivate readers with vivid storytelling and gentle messages of faith. Her stories have garnered impressive showings in multiple writing contests. Often found writing at the Florida beach, she navigates life with her family and manages two saucy cats who insist on interrupting her creative endeavors. 

To stay updated on Jenelle’s latest works or subscribe to her newsletter, visit her online at jenellehovdeauthor.com. 

Connect with Jenelle: Website / BookBub / Facebook / Goodreads / Instagram /

Jenelle Hovde author pic

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

If you missed last week’s Independence Day post, 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 a multi-award-winning author, an active ACFW member, and a six-year ACFW Virginia board member. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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