Interview with Inspirational Romance Author Jo Huddleston

Jo Huddleston is an Amazon Bestselling author of books, articles, and short stories. Novels in her West Virginia Mountains series and her endearing Caney Creek series are sweet Southern historical romances. The redeeming story of God’s pursuing love is the foundation of her novels, and in them you will find inspiration, hope, and gentle stories that are intriguing and entertaining. Jo is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the Literary Hall of Fame at Lincoln Memorial University (TN). Learn more at http://www.johuddleston.com

Welcome to my blog, Jo. I have admired that name ever since I read Little Women as a young girl. Jo was my favorite character. Please tell us about your Romance: Tidewater Summer.

Will Rose find the solitude she seeks during her island summer or is solitude what she really wants? 

A compelling story of one woman’s pursuit of restoration from physical abuse at the hands of her fiancé. Rose Marie Henley’s Great-Aunt Clara convinces Rose to spend the summer at her South Carolina beach house. 

Aunt Clara’s handyman sends his nephew to repair Rose’s water heater. Last year Rose would have been excited to see her over-the-top handsome nephew, Frank Sutton. But now she doesn’t want any man in her life again. 

Frank has an instant attraction to Rose. Can he break through her defenses? He’ll do anything to protect her, but will she open her heart to trust him? 

This sounds like an intriguing romance. Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

I've loved being at the beach--any beach--since the first time my parents took me when I was preschool age. Time at the beach always makes my troubles lighten while there. I wanted to set a story on a beach and thought about a heroine who might visit the beach for an extended stay for restoration from whatever problem she had. I write novels set in the 1950s, so I came up with my heroine's problem of physical abuse at the hands of her fiancé. In the 1950s, the attitude toward abuse was often to ignore it or to blame the victim. I started with the above and my characters grabbed the story and ran with it. I don't plot, plan, or outline my stories on paper. I'm what is called a panster--I write from the seat of my pants.

You are right. The beach is a peaceful setting for someone who is troubled. What kind of research did you do?

Although I’ve traveled to many places, I’ve lived in the U.S. South—Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama. I’ve also spent time at many beaches, including those in South Carolina. So I didn’t have to do research to get the setting correct. Closely observing life around me filled in what I needed to know to make Rose’s character authentic.

Tell me about one of the main characters and what you love about him or her?

The male main character in Tidewater Summer is Frank Sutton. Rose, the main female character, is struggling in the aftermath of physical abuse, and her fears are too raw to appreciate the kindness of Frank. But he’s a true Southern gentleman and a godly man who refuses to give up on Rose. I love his determination to tread softly and to be patient with Rose.

Where is your website so my readers can check out your recent and past books that you have written?

My website is http://www.johuddleston.com, where readers can learn about all my books, read first chapters of my novels and novellas, and sign up for my mailing list.

Thank you so much for this interview, Jo. I hope my readers will check out your books.