We’re welcoming Jessica Nelson to the blog today! Jessica’s latest release from Love Inspired Historical, “The Unconventional Governess,” is a delightful Regency-era story with one of my favorite heroines EVER. Here’s the blurb…
Henrietta Gordon has one dream: to practice medicine alongside the uncle who raised her. But when he insists she stay in London and find a husband, she must figure out a way to earn money toward her goal. Could handsome earl Dominic, Lord St. Raven, be the answer?
Desperate to find a governess for his niece after his brother’s death, Dominic hires Henrietta—and is soon taken by her smarts and determination. But as Henrietta comes to care deeply for Dominic and his charge, the thought of inevitably leaving them feels impossible, forcing her to decide what’s more important—following her dreams or her heart.
The Unconventional Governess is available at Harlequin and Amazon.
Welcome, Jessica! We’re so glad you could stop by!
Thanks for having me!
Henrietta Gordon is one of the most fascinating, spunky, and just plain awesome heroines I’ve ever encountered. What was your inspiration for her?
I don’t know that I had an inspiration…she just kind of showed up in my head one day, already formed and demanding a story.
Was there a character in The Unconventional Governess that presented more of a challenge?
Dominic was challenging. I had to discover who he was, what he wanted. He was very laissez-faire about his life, and that made him a challenge because every hero needs a goal. And he had none at first.
How did God change you during the writing of The Unconventional Governess? What spiritual lessons do you hope your readers take away from the book?
I feel like I’m always trying to let God change me, and in every book, I feel like I “see” a new facet of life, like I learn something new. I think that God was trying to teach me to be brave. Not just in the way Henrietta is with her pursuit of an unconventional life, but in the way she feared being vulnerable, risking her heart. It takes bravery to do that, and both Henrietta and I struggle with it. I’d like readers to understand that it’s okay to be different than what society might say is correct. It’s important to hear God, to follow the dreams He’s given you, even if there’s a cost involved.
What does your writing routine look like? What obstacles do you face in finding time to write?
Writing routine? Ha! I used to have one. I don’t anymore. My obstacles include an obsession with sweeping, trying to cook for eight children (and let’s just say my cooking leaves a lot to be desired), and a body that won’t keep up with my dreams. All that to say…there are many stories in my head, and obstacles won’t stop me for long.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
Read, eat, play. I like to have fun, and I’m not picky about how it happens, and I’m never bored. 😉
If you could have coffee/tea/gratuitous amounts of carbs with any author, living or dead, who would you choose? What would you want to talk about with him or her?
Oooh, well, I think Ted Dekker is extremely interesting. I’d love to have lunch with him and talk about good and evil, dark and light, and the amazing love of Jesus.
Thanks so much for being with us today, Jessica! Last question: how can we pray for you?
I am always in need of wisdom. Thank you!
Jessica Nelson began writing her first historical romance after quitting her day job to stay home with her children. Many years and manuscripts later, Love On The Range was bought and released by Love Inspired Historical in 2012. Her most recent release is The Matchmaker’s Match, a Romantic Times nominated Top Pick for 2015.
Jessica writes historical and contemporary inspirational romances. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. Her work has finaled in several RWA contests, as well as double-finaling in the esteemed American Christian Fiction Writer’s Genesis contest.
Jessica believes the greatest, most intense romance comes from a God who woos people to himself with passionate tenderness. When she is not chasing her three beautiful, wild little boys around the living room, she can be found staring into space as she plots her next story. Or she might be daydreaming about a raspberry mocha from Starbucks. Or thinking about what kind of chocolate she should have for dinner that night. She has been blessed with an amazing life and hopes to continue publishing for years to come.