Shannon here: Contemporary romance author, Jennifer Fromke shares her husband’s romantic gesture. Comment on this post for a chance to win an e-book copy of short story collection – Heart Bouquets, which includes her short story – Black Tie Optional, plus three more e-books – A Familiar Shore, Stalking Willow, and Destiny Defied. Descriptions for each book are at the end of the post. Deadline: June 15th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Jennifer:
A Romantic Gesture to Make a Girl Swoon . . .
My hubby and I got married right out of college. His dream and the desire of his heart was to become a doctor and I was thrilled to help him reach that goal. I worked the first four years while he attended med school, and we scraped by with hard work and help from our families. Then we moved to a new city for his residency training. I was able to stay home with my kids, though we still barely scraped by with his resident pay. Another move landed us in our current location: Concord, NC. This job was everything he hoped it would be and he adjusted quickly to the work.
When our youngest child moved into a full school day, I began writing a novel. By chance, a friend invited me to a writing conference and I went. Wow. Life changed for me then. The desire of my heart, which laid dormant for years, resurrected that weekend. Upon my return, I launched myself into a new story, which turned out to be my first published novel. As I began to write diligently, my husband saw the fire in my belly, the hope in my eyes.
Over a romantic dinner one night, he looked me in the eye and said, “I’m living my dream now. It’s time we made your dream come true.”
His words blew me away. They spoke to my deepest yearning. What a guy! He committed to helping me do what I needed to do in order to get the book published. I attended writing conferences and workshops, was able to make important connections, and eventually found a publisher who was excited about my book. When the book launched, he told every single person he knew and plenty of strangers. He is my biggest fan.
I know this kind of support is not par for the course and I’m so grateful. Knowing we helped each other achieve our dreams has made them all the more rewarding. To me, it’s one of the most romantic things my husband could ever do for me. If you know somebody with a dream (whether you are romantically involved or not), do what you can to help them achieve it. Even if it’s not your dream, it’ll be sweet to watch it come true.
About Jennifer: Though raised in the Midwest, Jennifer Fromke writes from North Carolina where she lives with her three teenagers and husband of over 20 years. In addition to her debut novel, A Familiar Shore, Jennifer co-authored a Christmas novella (The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt) and published two short stories (“Black Tie Optional” can be purchased as part of Heart Bouquets, a short story collection). Her favorite sport is laughing with her family and her favorite daily chore is to ensure the candy dish never runs dry.
About Jennifer’s short story – Black Tie Optional: A romantic gesture takes a couple on a birthday shopping spree. When Dr Lawler takes extreme measures to get a great deal, he ends up eating a bit of humble pie.
About the collection – Heart Bouquets: What do stories about a high school principal with a mean reputation, a doctor searching for his dream car, an ad executive still in love with his ex-wife, a clueless husband, a graduating grad student trying to buy a cup of coffee for his ladylove, and a missionary on furlough have in common? Romance. Authors Marji Laine, Jennifer Fromke, Lynda Schab, Stephanie Craig, Traci Tyne Hilton, and Peggy Cunningham, each give you a unique story: their Heart Bouquets especially for you.
Links to other 3 giveaway books:
A Familiar Shore
Stalking Willow
Destiny Defied
Come back June 7th for Lynda Schab!
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Marji Laine – Character Interview – Part 1 of 1
Marji Laine – Character Interview – Part 1 of 1
Beautiful story, Jennifer. You are blessed to have such a supportive husband!
Cheers,
Sue
Yes, but does the man *cook*? 😀
Wow, that is such a wonderful story—and you both sound like loving and sacrificial people even when it may be really demanding. I’m a believer in the idea that there are “seasons” of life, and it’s great that your effort and energy are being rewarded! Best wishes on your career!!!
You have your own true romance story, Jennifer. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
bonnieroof60@yahoo.com
The six authors of Heart Bouquets decided to combine the comments for all their posts. Susan Mason won this drawing. I appreciate Jennifer for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.