It's a pleasure to welcome Jolina Petersheim. This is Jolina's first visit to Ink Dots and I'm pleased to say she'll be back in June with more author news.
Jolina's the bestselling author of The Outcast, which Library Journal called "outstanding . . . fresh and inspirational" in a starred review and named one of the best books of 2013.
She holds degrees in English and communication arts from the University of the Cumberlands, and her writing has been featured in venues as varied as radio programs, nonfiction books, and numerous online and print publications. Her blog is syndicated with The Tennessean's "On Nashville" blog roll, and she also blogs weekly with four other bestselling novelists at Southern Belle View.
Jolina and her husband share the same unique Amish and Mennonite heritage that originated in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, but now live in the mountains of Tennessee with their young daughter. Follow Jolina and her blog at www.jolinapetersheim.com.
The Outcast ~ Raised in an Old Order Mennonite community, Rachel Stoltzfus is a strong-willed single woman, content living apart from mainstream society until whispers stir the moment her belly swells with new life. Refusing to repent and name the partner in her sin, Rachel feels the wrath of the religious sect as she is shunned by those she loves most. She is eventually coerced into leaving by her brother-in-law, the bishop. But secrets run deep in this cloistered community, and the bishop is hiding some of his own, threatening his conscience and his very soul. When the life of Rachel’s baby is at stake, however, choices must be made that will bring the darkness to light, forever changing the lives of those who call Copper Creek home.
Jolina Say...
If I could explore anywhere in the world tomorrow, it would be... Italy! I've visited Greece, Germany, Colombia, and traveled across the UK, but alas, I've never been to Italy. I don't know what I would be going for more, though, the scenery or the food! Authentic Italian food? Is there any better? I don't blame you for putting it top of your wish list. :)
The best thing I did today is... Since it's too early in the morning to claim any feat besides rolling out of bed, I will go with yesterday. My toddler-age daughter came to me with a book when I was in the middle of cooking for our cabin trip. I really, really did not want to read "Puppy, Please, Puppy, Please," but her little puppy dog eyes work me over every time. So I sat in the middle of the kitchen floor, cuddled her on my lap, and read. Aww, that's so sweet. Toddlers sure know the cutest methods of persuasion.
A secret pleasure of mine is... chocolate! I like to have one piece of dark chocolate every day, along with a cup of hot tea. This moment usually happens after my daughter's taking a nap, and I'm preparing to write.
I wish I could relive the day when I... gave birth...or got married. For both of these life-changing events, I felt a little foggy because there was so much going on. This is why I am so thankful for pictures, though; I can cherish each moment even if I can't remember every detail.
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| Jolina Petersheim |
When I was a child I dreamed I would... be a writer! After reading the Anne of Green Gables series when I was eight years old, I knew I wanted to write just like Anne. I informed everyone of my future plans as soon as they would take a breath in a conversation. It's been a journey, but getting to write from home and be with my daughter has truly been a dream come true.
I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but... I was a college cheerleader. As a flyer, I got dropped many, many times, and though I have great memories of those years on the squad, I will really protest if my daughter wants to cheer one day. I know some may find it hard to believe, but the sport's really too dangerous. Now, this Aussie didn't know some cheerleaders are known as 'flyers' and the term alone confirms my mama's instinct here, too. No flying! Too dangerous, indeed. :)
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Jolina: Thank you very much for having me on Ink Dots, Dorothy. Your questions were fun to answer.
Dotti: Thank you for visiting with us, Jolina. I'm looking forward to The Outcast as part of my reading for a book club I've joined this year. Congratulations on its release.
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For Ink Dots readers ~ If you'd like an opportunity to win a NetGalley E-version of The Outcast, please leave a comment below. Since I'm already dreaming of Italian food, thanks to Jolina's wish to travel and eat all things Italiano, I'm asking about your all time favourite Italian menu item.
For me, it's pasta. I can't eat gluten, so I'm going to dream the pasta dishes are all fine and there's a waiter about to bring me a steaming bowl of fresh, durum wheat fettucini. How about you?
Look out for the winner's name on Friday.
Good luck and happy reading,
