What was your favorite picture book as a kid?

I had a couple that my mom read to me over and over. One was about a friendly ghost but he was lonely. The other was about a little girl and her grandfather. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the titles of either. Reading always gave me a sense of adventure. I loved picture books that told a story with action.

What was the first “real” book (with chapters and without pictures) you remember reading?

The first one was probably a Trixie Belden book. A close second would be Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. These books set the stage for loving mysteries for my entire life. Another adventure story I read was titled The Flight of the Doves authored by Walter Macken. This story was about a boy and his sister who ran away from a mean stepfather to find their grandmother in Ireland. I still have a copy of this book!

What was your most favorite book in high school?

To Kill a Mockingbird is still one of my favorite books of all time. I feel like I bonded with this book. Many scenes spoke to me in ways I can’t explain. Since high school, I’ve reread this book many times. Each time, I find subtle nuisances of the characters that invite me to look at people closer in the world around me.

What was your least favorite book in high school?

A Clockwork Orange was my least favorite. It’s one of the few books I’ve never finished. Lots of others were not books I enjoyed but I did read them to the end. I was a voracious reader until high school. In high school, I began to distrust the stories the teachers seemed to think were good for us to read. Reading had always been a friend, but some of the books didn’t feel that way to me anymore.

What was the last novel you read?

When the Flames Ravaged, a historical fiction authored by Rhonda Dragomir. I loved this story for many reasons. The fact that is based on a real event made the characters and their emotions more poignant.

What was the last nonfiction book you read?

I’m reading How God Changes Your Brain authored by Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Robert Waldman. It’s an interesting book. Another book that was thought-provoking and faith building was When God Doesn’t Fix It authored by Laura Story. This book forces you to reexamine your relationship with God when things don’t go as planned. A much needed read for me.

Which book lived up to the hype (from the past 1-2 years)?

To be honest, I haven’t read many current books. I reread old favorites when I get the chance.

Next novel on your TBR (up to three).

Endling, the First by Katherine Applegate. This is the second book in the series. My grandson requested I read the whole series and I must admit he read them much faster. I can see why this book is so popular with young readers.

Next nonfiction on your TBR (up to three).

Sacred Surroundings by Jean Wise is on the top of the pile now. I’ve focused on gratitude this year, and felt this book will help me in that direction.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I’ve recently begun steps toward speaking to women’s groups and churches about the goodness of God throughout every season of our lives.  I love to share personal experiences mixed with humor and hope. Since life can be a series of ups and downs, it’s my goal to inspire women with a message of confidence in God. I want ladies to leave with an assurance that God will be there for them through every challenge.

Tell us about your newest book.

The Bomb Squad series drops you right into action which middle-grade readers love. Seaside SOS is the recent release of these mystery/adventure novels for tweens. Bryan and his three friends jet off to a seaside vacation with their families and Mr. B, Bryan’s neighbor. While there, the boys stumble onto a mystery and find themselves in troubled waters again. With their new friend, Ava, the squad works to save sea turtle eggs from egg pirates. This family-friendly story keeps the tweens interested from the beginning until the end.

Jill resides in southern Indiana with her husband of forty-six years. They enjoy their country lifestyle and visiting with their children and grandchildren. She is an avid movie watcher, loves Mexican food, and paints watercolors. Most days, you’ll find her in her studio working on her next adventure story or crafting new projects.

Jill’s interest in books began in childhood when reading provided a wonderful outlet for her wild imagination. She loves to tell stories about her life experiences with humor mixed in to convey the sense of adventure she feels every day. Jill says her life is like a good plate of nachos, with a tiny kick of spice and a whole lotta cheese.

You can check out her website at www.authorjillchapman.com. https://www.instagram.com/author_jill_chapman/
https://twitter.com/Jill27118981
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