If you enjoy Love Inspired romance novels, you won’t want to miss today’s guest! Jennifer Slattery has written several novels for the line, as well as publishing many more with the same sweet, inspirational romantic story line. Today, she’s going to tell us about some of the books and authors she admires, as well as giving us a peek at the nonfiction books she’s been enjoying.

Thanks so much for being here! What was the first adult novel that you read? Did you like it? Why/why not?

I don’t know if this was the first I read, but it was the first Christian fiction story I remember, actually a series, and it was Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion Series. First, Francine is simply a phenomenal writer who knows how to keep you turning a page. But second, I was so struck by the main character’s faith, especially as it felt like such a stark contrast to the depth of mine at that time. As I consider that now, I’m somewhat surprised as in many ways it was a tough series to read as it was set in first century Palestine during intense Christian persecution. That certainly wasn’t anything I wanted to experience! But it made me aware of how little opposition I faced and how so many of the things I allowed myself to become overly concerned with truly weren’t worth fretting over.

If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be?

Maybe Emily Jacobs from Tosca Lee’s Progeny, mainly because I’m certain she has some degree of OCD, and yet, she also has super-hero qualities. As I have OCD myself, I would love to hear her talk about what she believes most helps her thrive along with what she finds most challenging about her condition.

If you could be part of any fictional family, which would you pick?

This is going a bit back, and might sound a bit cliché, but maybe the Wilder’s family, mainly because they seem so … healthy and loving! I know in reality all families would’ve experienced significant struggle living during that time period, but their pace always seemed so relaxed. Mrs. Wilder also seemed like a phenomenal cook, which, considering I kind of stink at cooking, I would have enjoyed.

What book are you most looking forward to reading next?

It’s actually a nonfiction, but Waking the Dead by John Eldridge. For one, because one of my church pastors referenced it in a sermon, and two, because John Eldridge is such a great writer. But first I need to finish the large stack of books on my bedside table. I’m also waiting for Dr. Dan Allender’s assistant to send me his latest book, Redeeming Heartache, coauthored with Cathy Loerzel, in preparation for an upcoming podcast. As I’ve greatly enjoyed some of his other books and his insights, I anticipate loving his latest title as well. I particularly like his commitment to Christ.

Who’s your favorite author?

Romantic suspense author Jodie Bailey, for a couple of reasons. First, she’s simply brilliant, yet she’s also super humble. Every time I finish one of her stories, I put it down and say to my husband, “I stink as a writer. Seriously. I could never write like that.” Now, I know we should never compare ourselves with others, but all that to say, she’s just that good. Second, I adore her as a person. J

It’s hard though, isn’t it? Comparison is the pits. But on to more fun topics, please share five books from your TBR list.

Lately I’ve been reading a lot of nonfiction in preparation for podcast episodes. I’m almost done with Dr. Allender’s Bold Love; it’s phenomenal and inspiring. I also have a copy of his Healing Path waiting, and Becoming a Family by Drs. Beverly and Tom Rodgers. I want to reread Grit (one of my favorites) by Angela Duckworth, which I feel should be required reading for every college freshman. That book is so inspiring, and I want to review some of her insights for a podcast episode on resilience.

If you could mash any two books together, which books would you pick? How would you do it?

Hmm … I wonder what might happen if someone merged Tosca Lee’s Progeny with the Hunger Games. I think I’d lighten things up a bit, though, and add in a comic relief character, and maybe Spiderman. (I’m not actually a fan of Spiderman but I think he’d totally rock the games.)

I’d have the other characters work with Katniss covertly then together they’d dismantle the corrupt power structure that keeps everyone in every district in terror. Of course, they’d need to create an entirely new world with much better, kinder rules. And free and constant access to calorie free chocolate. And coffee. Lots of free lattes.

A single mother escapes to the Texas Hill Country with her daughter for a vet tech internship and to seek a safer life for them both. But when medicine goes missing from Caden Stoughton’s struggling vet clinic, all evidence points to Stephanie. With the new life she’s been searching for hanging in the balance, Stephanie must convince Caden to trust her with his business … and his heart.

Jennifer Slattery is a writer and speaker who has addressed women’s groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation. As the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries, she and her team help their local, national, and global community experience increased spiritual and emotional freedom through an ever-deepening relationship with Christ. She cohosts the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast with Grace Fox and also cohosts the Faith Over Fear podcast with her Wholly Loved Ministry team. You can find her online at:

JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com
Wholly Loved website
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Listen to Jennifer on the Faith Over Fear or Your Daily Bible Verse podcasts!