I’m very pleased to be featuring a friend of mine on the blog today. Donna Marie Rogers writes award-winning, small town contemporary romance. I’ve read Donna’s books and they’re just lovely. She’s joining us today for an interview and giveaway, so let’s get to it!
You excel at writing small town romance, Donna. Why do you think small town contemporary romance is currently so popular?
Wow, thank you. What a wonderful compliment. I love small town romance, and thankfully, I’m not alone. The close-knit communities, the quirky characters, the homespun charm. I grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago, and my best friend’s family owned a cottage by the lake up in Southern Wisconsin. I was thrilled when they would invite me along. I remember walking to the Piggly Wiggly, going to the Tobacco Days parade, riding our bikes down these incredibly steep hills right into the lake…LOL I loved everything about small town living, and I still do. 🙂
What’s the basis and setting for your Jamison Series?
There’s Only Been You is the first book in my Jamison Series, and I don’t know that I have a particular basis for writing it other than I was ready. I had tried my hand at writing years earlier, but after filling numerous notebooks with half-written stories, I became frustrated and quit. Then my husband and I moved up to Green Bay (from the south suburbs of Chicago) and started a family. It wasn’t until after my second daughter was born that the bug bit me again, and I sat down at the computer and gave it another try. Eight months later, There’s Only Been You was born. I set the series in Green Bay because I love this beautiful city. Particularly, the 83 year-old school house we live in.
What can you tell us about There’s Only Been You and Meant To Be You?
I fell in love with the Jamison clan immediately. As soon as I finished There’s Only Been You, I knew Garrett had to have his own happily-ever-after. Sara’s brooding, hot-tempered oldest brother stole my heart…and everyone else’s as well. Here are the blurbs for both books…and yes, I like cop heroes…LOL:
THERE’S ONLY BEEN YOU – (Jamison Series, Book 1)
Lies destroyed their past–will the truth end their chance at a future?
Sara Jamison has no clue where Mike Andrews’ been all these years, but she knows where she’s been–busy raising their son. Two weeks after he accused her of cheating and disappeared from her life, Sara discovered she was something she never expected to be–an unwed pregnant teenager.
But with the love and support of her annoyingly alpha-male family, she’s managed to make a good life for herself and her young son. She even owns her own business, Sara’s Bakery, which she’s built into a thriving success. Sure, she works too hard and her social life is nonexistent, but for the most part, she’s content.
Until the day Detective Mike Andrews walks into her bakery and back into her life…
MEANT TO BE (Jamison Series, Book 2)
She’s running from her past, he’s unsure about his future. Maybe together they can figure out what was MEANT TO BE…
Officer Garrett Jamison is at the lowest point in his life. He’s lost faith in his ability as a police officer after unwittingly setting his sister up with a dirty cop. Garrett ended up getting shot, and his sister’s son kidnapped right out of his own bed. He takes a leave from the force, in need of some time to make a decision about his future. Too bad he can’t get a decent night’s sleep thanks to his sexy new neighbor and her howling cat.
Jessica McGovern moves halfway across the country to start a new life in Green Bay, Wisconsin after her ex-husband is convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of their young son. Her new neighbor is as infuriating as he is handsome, but when her ex is released from prison early and shows up in town, Jessica discovers she’s never needed anyone more.
What’s next in Donna’s writing life?
I’m working on the first book in a new series (Lake Shelbyville Series), that’s set in Central Illinois and has a paranormal twist. The hero is Jack Sutton, who you meet in Meant To Be, so the two series are related. The heroine is a healer/witch. I’m very excited & already have several stories planned. 🙂
Thanks for reading! Please leave a comment about why you enjoy small town romance for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift certificate and a download of There’s Only Been You.
Small town romances always give me a feeling of comfort that goes back to my childhood. The closeness of family and friends where everyone knows everyone and their business, is guaranteed to make the reader feel like they are a part of it all.
Looking forward to reading “There’s Only Been You.” Thank you for the generous giveaway.
Connie, so true, that level of comfort was a huge draw for me growing up as well. A friendly wave, an invite over for coffee, an offering of fresh-baked zucchini bread….which reminds me, I need to bake a couple loaves today…LOL
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I love small town romance because of the towns people. They are always butting into everyone’s lives. They know what’s best for others and are not afraid to tell them. They are a nosy bunch. Lol. Faves: Jill Shalvis’ Lucky HRbor, Katie Lane’s Bramble, Texas.
Thanks for stopping by, Lori! And I hear you, nothing wrong with a little friendly advice between neighbors…LOL
I think it’s because how fast the gossips travel! I always find it funny. 🙂 And I love the eccentric characters!
May, who doesn’t love to indulge in a little gossip now and then? LOL But yeah, the quirky characters are what make small town romance so much fun to read…and write!
Thanks for stopping by!
Small town romances are always more intimate to read. There are sometimes more characters to get to know because of the small town feel. I like getting to know others in a romance besides the two main characters.
Jackie, I’ve always loved secondary characters & love stories. They really make the book. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
Small town romances are all about the people and the way everyone is either matchmaking or trying to break it up.
Oh, matchmaking is huge in small town romance! Everyone knows who’s single, and all those happy folks want everyone to share in the love. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Anne!
I love small town romances because I’ve always wanted to live in a small town. Love the feeling of close-knit community where people generally care about each other and look out for each other. Their values and morals just seem different and insync
Lisa, beautifully stated! All perfect examples of why small town romance resonates with so many readers.
Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
I have grown up and mostl lived in a small town. There is comfort, warmth and family values more apparent in a small town. It is also easier to meet someone, and people in a small town can fill you in on him/her.
Cindy, I envy you. I grew up in a small city outside Chicago, and though I have no real complaints, in my heart I was always a small town girl. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
Small town romance is great! Every knows everyone’s business and there’s always someone who will meddle!! 🙂 Nice to ‘meet’ you, I’m adding this to my tbr list!! 🙂
Those meddlers are what makes it so much fun! LOL
Nice to ‘meet’ you, too, Sue! If you don’t win, I sure hope you’ll give this series a try. 🙂
for the focus on family
Small town romance definitely focuses on the family, which is one of the most important elements in any book….at least, in my opinion. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
Small town romance is wonderful to read – I am from a small town, and when I read books like these, I see characters that are so familiar and it feels like home. 🙂
I hope that if you read this series it doesn’t disappoiunt, Danell!
Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
I grew up in a small town in Yorkshire, England Small town romances bring me back to those carefree days before Facebook and social media. Meeting in the town square was the way to catch up on and spread local gossip.
Sandy, I hope to visit England someday…preferably before I’m too old to enjoy myself…LOL
Small towns have heart and soul. They are special because of the individuals who are living there and care.
Well said, Diane! Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
Small towns have charm, and a beauty within that is important.
I love the name Pearl! 🙂
Small town charm, exactly! Thanks for stopping by!
I love small town romances because I enjoy the small town environment – small towns are usually centered around family values, there are always some funny characters (i.e. the grocery store clerk or the grandma who is in everyones business), and they just seem like a sweeter, simpler place in time. The books sound awesome!
Thanks so much, Heather. 🙂 And great view on what makes small towns so desirable.
I love small town romances because usually they reflect values and family life and situations I’m familiar with but usually will have positive endings if not happy ones. That I like especially.
Hi Casey! Thanks for making it. Nothing is more important in a romance than a happy ending, that’s for sure. 🙂
I like small town romances because of all the quirky characters that usually live in the town…and how everyone knows everyone’s business. LOL
Yep, love those quirky, small town characters. I write a small town series with Stacey Joy Netzel (Welcome To Redemption), and we have plenty of those…LOL
Marcy, thanks for stopping by!
I love small town romances because usually everyone sticks their nose in the main character’s business, and gives them advice that drives them crazy. It’s always fun to see that added pressure of everyone in town thinking they know what’s best for them, and most of the time, they’re right. 😀
Nothing better than a town full of busybodies…LOL
Thanks for stopping by, Barbara!
For me, romance in small town is more touching, usually people lived in small town is more care with each other and always want to help too instead of people lived in big town because they are too busy
Great point, Eli. It’s hard to care about someone you don’t know, and in a small town, everyone knows everyone. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
I like how everyone knows everyone 🙂 Thanks for sharing and congrats to Donna on the new release!
Thanks so much, Erin & thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I guess the reason that I love small town romance stories is that I can relate to them. I have always lived in small to medium sized towns. Plus, in these books, everybody tends to know everyone’s business, things don’t stay private or secret for long and there is always people to give you advice (whether you want it or not, LOL)
And it’s so much fun when those secrets come out, isn’t it? 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, June!
In small town romances the characters are almost forced to socialize. Love the feel of these stories.
True, there are very few loners in a small town…LOL
Thanks so much for stopping by, Mary!
I like small town romances because you get to know the residents of the towns in addition to the main characters. They make you feel part of the community.
I like the sense of community in the small town romances. And revisiting ‘old friends’ as a series continues. 🙂 And everything everyone else has said about them, too.
Hi Stacey (for anyone who doesn’t know, Stacey & I co-author the USA Today bestselling small town series, Welcome To Redemption)! Everyone has made such great points about what makes small town romance stand out…I wish everyone could win! 🙂
I like the small town settings because they have that tight knit community, everyone cares, good morals thing going on. I feel that is missing too often in our world. I have lived in my current location for 2 years and have not met 95% of my neighbors. I grew up in a midsize city and we knew everyone on our block and most people on the next block too. Social Media has ruined that a bit but it is more that people just don’t care as much. So sad.
Kylan, what a great point about social media! It really has changed the way our society socializes, and not for the better.
Thanks for stopping by!
Small towns are a great place to raise a family — everyone looks out for everyone else… including the busybodies!!
Cate, I didn’t want to raise a family where my husband & I grew up, I’d always yearned for a small town community. And here in Northeast Wisconsin, my children’s school district is amazing; my daughter’s high school one of the top 100 in the nation! I was very pleased when I read that.
Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
i like the fact it focuses on the family. i would LOVE to win the prize…seeing as i am struggling to find work it will be a lONG while b/f i could buy the book
Laurie, sending positive energy & a cyber hug on finding work SOON! I do have a free read available: A Fair Of the Heart, Book 1 in the Welcome To Redemption Series. You can download it anywhere. And drop me a line thru my website, I’d love to hear from you. 🙂
I like small town romances because of the secondary characters who keep popping up and who, usually, cause amusing situations 😉
Some of the most fun I have writing is developing those quirky characters…LOL
Thanks for stopping by, Chelsea!
I love small town stories because the relationships between everyone. How everyone is protective over everyone else. How their are always that one group that are the hateful and cause problems. The old biddies that gossip, and know everything about everyone. I love the dynamics and how everyone belongs. I grew up in the big city and even though I now live in a small town it’s not the same. I have always felt like an outcast, an observer just looking on, but in these stories I find different places to live and love with people, who are written so well that they bring you in to the fold and make you feel like your part of it. I hope to one day like you Donna Marie Rogers to finally get the small town living in my head out on paper.